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hors d'oeuvre

noun
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\ ȯr-ˈdərv How to pronounce hors d'oeuvre (audio) \
plural hors d'oeuvres also hors d'oeuvre\ ȯr-​ˈdərv(z) How to pronounce hors d'oeuvre (audio) \

Definition of hors d'oeuvre

: 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 Use up leftover ham in this hot take on an hors d'oeuvre classic. — Woman's Day Kitchen, Woman's Day, "Spicy Deviled Eggs," 31 Mar. 2020 Butler will orchestrate a fundraiser from 7 to 11 p.m. Feb. 29 at The Iron Horse Hotel in Milwaukee, with hors d'oeuvres, a voice auction and remarks from Butler. — Jr Radcliffe, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Wisconsin Assembly declares Feb. 29 'LeRoy's Leap Day' in honor of former Green Bay Packers star LeRoy Butler," 20 Feb. 2020 The basic box includes beer, vodka, a specialty cocktail, juice, tonic, club soda and hors d'oeuvres. — Jeanne Sahadi, CNN, "5 creative ways small businesses are trying to stay afloat," 23 Mar. 2020 Features 3 sets of jazz, selection of hors d'oeuvres, party hats and Champagne toast at midnight. — Luann Gibbs, Cincinnati.com, "New Year's Eve events in Cincinnati: Say bye to 2019 and hi to 2020," 23 Dec. 2019 Perks: One Veuve or Stoli Elite martini; casino games; hors d'oeuvres; cheese, charcuterie and antipasti; party favors; champagne toast. — Piet Levy, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "19 concerts and party picks for New Year's Eve 2019 in Milwaukee," 18 Dec. 2019 Guests sample hors d'oeuvres from 13 of Cleveland's best chefs, then vote for their favorite dish. — Marc Bona, cleveland, "Cleveland’s Finest Hors D’Oeuvre Contest set with slight venue change," 15 Jan. 2020 During cocktails, guests were treated to passed hors d'oeuvres, and hundreds of candles were lit as soon as the sun set. — Carrie Goldberg, Harper's BAZAAR, "Top Model Devon Windsor Wed Alexis Co-Founder Jonathan Barbara in a Stunning Three-Day Wedding in St. Barths," 20 Nov. 2019 Mile-long stroll through the holiday lights and displays, then wine-down with tastings of local wines in a souvenir glass with heavy hors d'oeuvres. — Briana Rice, Cincinnati.com, "Holiday Guide 2019: Christmas lights, trains, Santa and other holiday events in Cincinnati," 14 Nov. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'hors d'oeuvre.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of hors d'oeuvre

1714, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for hors d'oeuvre

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

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Time Traveler for hors d'oeuvre

Time Traveler

The first known use of hors d'oeuvre was in 1714

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Cite this Entry

“Hors d'oeuvre.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hors%20d%27oeuvre. Accessed 26 Jan. 2021.

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More Definitions for hors d'oeuvre

hors d'oeuvre

noun
How to pronounce hors d'oeuvre (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of hors d'oeuvre

: a food served in small portions before the main part of a meal

See the full definition for hors d'oeuvre in the English Language Learners Dictionary

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More from Merriam-Webster on hors d'oeuvre

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for hors d'oeuvre

Nglish: Translation of hors d'oeuvre for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about hors d'oeuvre

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