hors d'oeuvre

noun

Definition of hors d'oeuvrenext
as in taste
a food served in small portions before the main part of a meal a tray of assorted hors d'oeuvres

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of hors d'oeuvre Both anchovy paste and tomato paste can add depth to dressings, sauces, and pasta dishes; sherry vinegar is ideal for vinaigrettes and glazes; a jar of capers can elevate simple hors d'oeuvres; and chili sambals can bring the heat to eggs, marinades, and stir-fries. — Jamie Cuccinelli, Martha Stewart, 9 Jan. 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 Enjoy live music and hors d'oeuvres along the way. — Caroline Ritzie, Cincinnati Enquirer, 7 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for hors d'oeuvre
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hors d'oeuvre
  1. taste
  2. bite
  3. touch
  4. spot
  5. drop
  6. scrap
  7. mouthful
  8. appetizer
Noun
  • Freshmen and transfer students moved into their dormitories on Tuesday, beginning a new chapter and getting their first taste of college life.
    — Madeleine Wright, CBS News, 18 Aug. 2026
  • Fantastic Fest, the most reliably eclectic and unapologetically strange American film festival on the fall calendar, has unveiled a lineup that promises to delight any cinephile whose tastes lie outside the conventional.
    — Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of taste
Noun
  • There was a corn shucking contest, elote corn bites at concession stands and fans decked out in corn costumes or hats.
    — Chris Gardner, HollywoodReporter, 17 Aug. 2026
  • There will also be six freshly shucked oysters and caviar bites paired with Italian wines.
    — Hema Sivanandam, Mercury News, 17 Aug. 2026
Definition of bite
Noun
  • Portuguese touches are incorporated here too; the blanket on the bed comes from Burel and is made using wool from Serra de Estrela sheep into colorful, contemporary designs.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 Aug. 2026
  • Fernandez sent a ball-ahead into the attacking third and Ojeda played a first-touch cross to Luighi for the volley that made it 1-1.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of touch
Noun
  • This show placed more emphasis on the Continental Challenge Cup, as three more matches took place, including the main event between Kyle O’Reilly and Roderick Strong for a spot in the next round.
    — Rob Wolkenbrod, Forbes.com, 16 Aug. 2026
  • But there are only so many roster spots, and Berrios has emerged as a likely candidate to secure one given his versatility on special teams.
    — Charlotte Carroll, New York Times, 16 Aug. 2026
Definition of spot
Noun
  • Unlike other meat products, the cost of chicken has seen little fluctuation in recent months, so much so that July’s 3-cent drop signaled the single biggest monthly change dating back to November 2024.
    — Claire Malon, Chicago Tribune, 14 Aug. 2026
  • The critic who found a helpful narrative to understand the history, and future, of our images, without a drop of cynicism.
    — Carlos Valladares, ARTnews.com, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of drop
Noun
  • Repair and recycling are especially interesting because the economics often determine whether something gets a second life or lands in the scrap pile.
    — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 17 Aug. 2026
  • For arc welding, Path Robotics claims its robots typically achieve between 95 and 100 percent on first-pass yields, meaning the share of parts that pass quality inspection the first time without requiring reworking or resulting in scrap.
    — Jeremy Hsu, ArsTechnica, 17 Aug. 2026
Definition of scrap
Noun
  • Trump himself issued mouthfuls of balderdash during the event.
    — Business Columnist, Los Angeles Times, 12 Aug. 2026
  • And despite unexpectedly finding a mouthful of razor-sharp teeth on the end of his line, Seamus doesn't appear traumatized in the slightest.
    — Amber Harding OutKick, FOXNews.com, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of mouthful
Noun
  • The former Ole Miss standout’s seven receptions for 62 yards in his preseason debut is only an appetizer of the main course to come.
    — Jess Bryant, New York Times, 20 Aug. 2026
  • How to Score Freebies There may be no such thing as a free lunch, but a free drink, appetizer, or dessert might be another story.
    — Meena Thiruvengadam, Travel + Leisure, 17 Aug. 2026
Definition of appetizer

Browse Nearby Words

horror-struck
hors d'oeuvre
hors d'oeuvres
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Cite this Entry

“Hors d'oeuvre.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hors%20d%27oeuvre. Accessed 21 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on hors d'oeuvre

Nglish: Translation of hors d'oeuvre for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about hors d'oeuvre

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