hors d'oeuvre

noun

plural hors d'oeuvres also hors d'oeuvre ȯr-ˈdərv(z) How to pronounce hors d'oeuvre (audio)
: 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 in-house concierge hosts a hors d'oeuvres and drinks event for owners during the winter. Lauren Beale, Forbes, 23 Feb. 2024 Our Arancini with Pomodoro Dipping Sauce makes a fantastic starter or hors d'oeuvres for an Italian feast. Southern Living Test Kitchen, Southern Living, 6 Oct. 2023 Guests indulge in tasty hors d'oeuvres, a gourmet raw bar, and handcrafted cocktails all topped off with a fantastic seafood dinner with live music. Sandra MacGregor, Forbes, 14 Feb. 2024 Over 700 guests sipped and guzzled espresso martinis and delectable hors d'oeuvres, with lively tunes courtesy of DJ Jade Croo. Maia Torres, Vogue, 26 Jan. 2024 Get The Recipe 20 of 54 Deviled Potatoes Consider these hors d'oeuvres a cross between deviled eggs and potato salad. Southern Living Editors, Southern Living, 13 Dec. 2023 Call it hors d'oeuvres, or girl dinner, or snacks-meal, but the fact of the matter is diners get that ordering a single sardine toast or two dumplings for the table will not constitute an entire meal. Sam Stone, Bon Appétit, 5 Oct. 2023 The admission price covers live entertainment, party favors, a champagne toast and a full buffet, in addition to hors d'oeuvres. Elizabeth Napolitano, CBS News, 27 Dec. 2023 The tourist favorite also offers several different packages at the New York City location, the most elaborate of which includes a 2-hour reception where up to 40 guests can dance and celebrate with drinks and hors d'oeuvres. Bailey Richards, Peoplemag, 16 Jan. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'hors d'oeuvre.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

1714, in the meaning defined above

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

Dictionary Entries Near hors d'oeuvre

Cite this Entry

“Hors d'oeuvre.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hors%20d%27oeuvre. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

hors d'oeuvre

noun
plural hors d'oeuvres also hors d'oeuvre -ˈdərv(z) How to pronounce hors d'oeuvre (audio)
: 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"

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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