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

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

Come for the golden-hour views of the Duomo, and stay for the hors d'oeuvres and aperitivo, a session that can easily turn into dinner. —Lauren Mowery, Forbes.com, 23 May 2025

The inn is relaxed and welcoming, with unique touches like nightly wine and hors d'oeuvres and complimentary ice cream treats delivered to your room. —Austa Somvichian-Clausen, Travel + Leisure, 10 Oct. 2024

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"