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
  • For a sweet taste of summer, finish off with a swirl of vanilla or citrus soft serve.
    — Brennan Long, Southern Living, 7 July 2026
  • These 10 images capture just a taste of the maximalist fever dream that was Liberace’s home life.
    — Eleni N. Gage, Architectural Digest, 7 July 2026
Definition of taste
Noun
  • At a charge, guests may also book a cute Patina Osaka wagon, packed with chairs, cuddly blankets, bites, and drinks for a bucolic picnic in the park.
    — Kathryn Romeyn, Travel + Leisure, 7 July 2026
  • The reception reportedly offered multiple bars and food stations, which featured bites such as sushi and Italian cuisine.
    — Chanel Vargas, InStyle, 6 July 2026
Definition of bite
Noun
  • Zann eventually got a call from casting director Meredith Layne and a screenplay with lines that were instantly familiar from her time voicing Rogue, the spunky heroine whose touch can be deadly, in the ‘90s.
    — Carlos Aguilar, Los Angeles Times, 10 July 2026
  • Tatum and Hollis share a tender moment over a cigarette in which Hollis vows to call her the next day and stay in touch better.
    — Olivia B. Waxman, Time, 9 July 2026
Definition of touch
Noun
  • To take Kim’s spot on the roster, the Braves returned infielder Kyle Farmer from his rehab assignment with Double-A Columbus.
    — Chad Bishop, AJC.com, 5 July 2026
  • The pyrotechnics were launched from eight barges on the Potomac River and spots in West Potomac Park.
    — Bart Jansen, USA Today, 5 July 2026
Definition of spot
Noun
  • Changes over the seven days ranged from a drop of 5% to an increase of 2%.
    — Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 11 July 2026
  • Another investigator testified that the distance from the apparent sniper's perch to the tent where Kirk was speaking was about 410 feet, with a 68-foot vertical drop.
    — N'dea Yancey-Bragg, USA Today, 10 July 2026
Definition of drop
Noun
  • Likewise, clouds of metal scraps can be seen around wrecked ships floating through Meteos.
    — Will Greenwald, PC Magazine, 9 July 2026
  • First, Altilium uses its proprietary EcoAnode technology to salvage up to 99% of the graphite and niobium tungsten oxide (NWO) from scrap and dead batteries.
    — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 7 July 2026
Definition of scrap
Noun
  • But cases are on the rise as more people report symptoms such as hives, diarrhea and itchiness after eating as little as a mouthful of meat and — in some cases — dairy.
    — Matthew Perrone, Los Angeles Times, 15 June 2026
  • But cases are on the rise as more people report symptoms such as hives, diarrhea and itchiness after eating as little as a mouthful of meat and — in some cases — dairy.
    — Matthew Perrone, Fortune, 13 June 2026
Definition of mouthful
Noun
  • The three-course dinner, $39, subs in a Fritto Misto appetizer and a Mary’s Chicken entree selection.
    — Linda Zavoral, Mercury News, 9 July 2026
  • The event will include pitmaster tastings, oysters, appetizers, desserts and drinks.
    — Heidi Finley, Charlotte Observer, 9 July 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 11 Jul. 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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