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

For hors d'oeuvres, highlights include tuna carpaccio, French onion soup, steak tartare and the escargot and foie gras parfait that Starr loves. —Hadley Hitson, The Tennessean, 21 Aug. 2025

The suite also offers access to the Executive Lounge for daily breakfast and evening hors d'oeuvres and cocktails, so busy parents have one less thing to schedule. —Katie Chang, Forbes.com, 16 July 2025

Sure, seating and accessories like umbrellas are important, but tables are essential for your plates of hors d'oeuvres and refreshing cocktails, and even mood-setting lighting is a must for creating the proper ambience. —Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 16 July 2025

Get the recipe > Deviled Eggs These classic hors d'oeuvres are welcome at all gatherings, from Easter brunch to the coffee table during the Super Bowl. —Saveur Editors, Saveur, 5 Feb. 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"