hors d'oeuvre

noun

ȯr-ˈdərv 

plural hors d'oeuvres also hors d'oeuvre ȯr-ˈdərv(z) 

: any of various savory foods usually served as appetizers

Examples of hors d'oeuvre in a Sentence

a tray of assorted hors d'oeuvres

Recent Examples on the Web

Enjoy live music and hors d'oeuvres along the way. — Caroline Ritzie, Cincinnati Enquirer, 7 Dec. 2025

Light bites came courtesy of charcuterie stations and passed hors d'oeuvres like sips of tomato gazpacho. — Kaitlin Menza, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 Apr. 2026

Prepare hors d'oeuvres and invite family members over for a rocking New Year's Eve gathering to reflect on the past year — and to set goals for the upcoming year together. — Lisa Stardust, Refinery29, 29 Dec. 2025

Although the invitation stated that hors d'oeuvres will be provided, the Redditor doesn't believe that meets formal wedding expectations. — Ashlyn Robinette, PEOPLE, 11 Dec. 2025

Word History

Etymology

French hors-d'œuvre, literally, outside of the work

First Known Use

1714, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for hors d'oeuvre

• conserve
• deserve
• manoeuvre
• observe
• preserve
• reserve
• subserve
• curve
• mirv
• nerve
• serve
• swerve

Kids Definition

hors d'oeuvre

noun

ȯr-ˈdərv 

plural hors d'oeuvres also hors d'oeuvre -ˈdərv(z) 

: any of various tasty foods usually served as appetizers

Etymology

from French hors-d'œuvre "appetizers," from the phrase hors d'œuvre, literally, "outside of work"