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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 There was an open bar with two signature drinks – The Bubbly Rose, which featured blackberry, seltzer and vodka, and a red sangria – hors d'oeuvres and background music from a jazz trio made up of members of the Bluewater Kings Band, who would play the reception. — Hannah Kirby, jsonline.com, 17 Mar. 2026 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 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
  • His taste level as a filmmaker, his visual aesthetic, is so good — which is important.
    — Kate Aurthur, Variety, 21 Sep. 2026
  • Despite his success, Ung never developed a taste for doughnuts, or a passion for baking.
    — Jenn Harris, Los Angeles Times, 21 Sep. 2026
Definition of taste
Noun
  • More recently, Costco debuted a seasonal strawberry shortcake sundae featuring vanilla or strawberry soft serve, shortcake bites and strawberry topping.
    — Tanasia Kenney, Charlotte Observer, 21 Sep. 2026
  • On Monday, the Denver Department of Public Health and Environment urged residents to take steps to prevent mosquito bites and reduce the risk of infection.
    — Christa Swanson, CBS News, 21 Sep. 2026
Definition of bite
Noun
  • The interiors are soothing greys and blues, with touches of silver, and art depicts icebergs and seascapes.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Sep. 2026
  • Meanwhile, 68% of advisors say that building long-term client trust still requires a human touch.
    — Lital Marom, Forbes.com, 22 Sep. 2026
Definition of touch
Noun
  • This year, Walker emerged as a more dominant bear unafraid to defend his spot on the hierarchy.
    — Popular Science Team, Popular Science, 25 Sep. 2026
  • So much of central Zurich continued to build around this hub, and the hotel grew into a notable gathering spot for guests like Charles Dickens, composer Franz Liszt, and later on former US president Bill Clinton.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 25 Sep. 2026
Definition of spot
Noun
  • Citibank attributed Wednesday's more than 6% drop to Mercari's announcement of the Pokémon card listing restrictions.
    — Jenny Lee, CNBC, 18 Sep. 2026
  • Atomic energy, the piece noted, held enough power in a drop of water to run 500 locomotives for an hour.
    — J.D. Capelouto, semafor.com, 18 Sep. 2026
Definition of drop
Noun
  • Granda added that Polymarket is also spending considerably more on promotions to acquire new customers, and the prediction market industry has become effectively a two-horse race that will see a handful of other players fighting for scraps.
    — Jeff John Roberts, Fortune, 24 Sep. 2026
  • Production disruptions and weak output in Chile, the world’s biggest producer, sent prices to record highs, with the US accumulating huge stockpiles and smelters in China forced to turn to scraps to meet that country’s industrial needs.
    — Jeronimo Gonzalez, semafor.com, 21 Sep. 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 red meat.
    — Dylan Lovan, Fortune, 6 Sep. 2026
  • Across the cove, less than a hundred yards away, another beaver swam to its lodge, also with a mouthful of sticks.
    — Carl R. Gold, Baltimore Sun, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of mouthful
Noun
  • Now, the restaurant offers omakase tasting menus at both lunch and dinner, with the dinner menu featuring appetizers, dessert, and eight kinds of pizza.
    — Kat Chen, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 Sep. 2026
  • This appetizer makes everybody smile and takes only 15 minutes to prepare.
    — Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 19 Sep. 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 26 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on hors d'oeuvre

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about hors d'oeuvre

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