Appetizers (8)
I believe the answer is:
starters
'appetizers' is the definition.
(I know this)
This is all the clue.
(Other definitions for starters that I've seen before include "Competitors entered for a race" , "Prawn cocktail" , "First meal courses for beginners" , "Hors d'oeuvres, sometimes the first course" , "Appetisers" .)