variants
also hors d'oeuvre
as in bites
a food served in small portions before the main part of a meal
a tray of assorted hors d'oeuvres
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Recent Examples of hors d'oeuvres
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
Enjoy live music and hors d'oeuvres along the way.
—Caroline Ritzie, Cincinnati Enquirer, 7 Dec. 2025
Have each course center on a classic fall produce type, from hors d'oeuvres to the main dish.
—Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 21 Sep. 2025
For hors d'oeuvres, highlights include tuna carpaccio, French onion soup, steak tartare and the escargot and foie gras parfait that Starr loves.
—Hadley Hitson, The Tennessean, 21 Aug. 2025
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
Enjoy live music and hors d'oeuvres along the way.
—Caroline Ritzie, Cincinnati Enquirer, 7 Dec. 2025
Have each course center on a classic fall produce type, from hors d'oeuvres to the main dish.
—Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 21 Sep. 2025
For hors d'oeuvres, highlights include tuna carpaccio, French onion soup, steak tartare and the escargot and foie gras parfait that Starr loves.
—Hadley Hitson, The Tennessean, 21 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hors d'oeuvres
Noun
-
As players prepare to take the field on Thursday, March 26, ABC News tapped MLB and its vendors to reveal some of the best new ballpark bites and bring fans an early taste of what's on deck this season.—
Kelly McCarthy,
ABC News,
23 Mar. 2026
-
Located conveniently next to the ski lockers, Double Blacks is a great coffee shop perfect for caffeine cravings and quick bites.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
21 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
In theory, their story ought to have enough drama to satisfy both pious and secular tastes.—
Angie Han,
HollywoodReporter,
22 Mar. 2026
-
As much as people enjoy a good Cinderella story—and a scrappy Siena very nearly provided one Thursday afternoon against Duke—a final can never get chalky enough for advertisers’ tastes.—
Anthony Crupi,
Sportico.com,
20 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
The foyer has a step-up entry from the front door, which feels elegant, and the living room is spacious with lovely touches in every direction — notice the built-ins with the arches that bookend the fireplace.—
Matthew Sedacca,
Curbed,
23 Mar. 2026
-
The dining room, finished with rich wood wainscoting, is illuminated by a modern chandelier that hints at the apartment’s contemporary touches.—
Mark David,
Robb Report,
23 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Newer spots like Morzelleria Scinduta de’ Barracchi in Catanzaro, which reimagines the city’s beloved morzello, or De’ Minimi in Tropea, signal a new generation honoring Calabrian flavors while pushing them forward in a thoughtful and innovative way.—
Jenna Curcio,
Condé Nast Traveler,
25 Mar. 2026
-
Brett Sheerin, owner of Maui True North, which offers surf and kitesurfing lessons, encourages visitors to check water quality advisories before going into the ocean, noting many popular surf spots on Maui are registering high bacteria counts.—
Jen Murphy,
Outside,
24 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Hors d'oeuvres.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hors%20d%27oeuvres. Accessed 30 Mar. 2026.
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