hors d'oeuvres

noun

variants also hors d'oeuvre
plural of 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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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'oeuvres 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 Light bites came courtesy of charcuterie stations and passed hors d'oeuvres like sips of tomato gazpacho. — Kaitlin Menza, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 Apr. 2026 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 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 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 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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hors d'oeuvres
  1. bites
  2. tastes
  3. touches
  4. spots
Noun
  • The room grew louder as cocktails were refreshed and guests swapped favorite bites.
    — Karen Yuan, Vogue, 3 July 2026
  • But while sharks are commonly found in the waters off the United States, shark bites are rare, experts say.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 3 July 2026
Definition of bites
Noun
  • The second film was a bit too bloated for my tastes and one that didn’t add much to what came before.
    — Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 30 June 2026
  • Karlsson, however, knows the tastes of the dressing room.
    — Jordan Campbell, New York Times, 29 June 2026
Definition of tastes
Noun
  • The country’s tragic 21st-century travails provide much of the fodder for the couple’s drama in director Cyril Aris’ moving film, including whether to stay or emigrate, with touches of magical realism and whimsy providing levity.
    — David Faris, TheWeek, 6 July 2026
  • Released in May 2025, the timepiece is based on the RM 72-01 flyback chronograph that launched in 2020, but features a few fresh aesthetic touches in honor of the Monegasque racer.
    — Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 6 July 2026
Definition of touches
Noun
  • Little Spirit’s address puts it within walking distance of several other restaurants and bars, including a few spots likely to show big sporting events.
    — Blair Crosby, AJC.com, 5 July 2026
  • Don't forget to check the social media accounts of your local favorite eating spots for more deals.
    — Mike Snider, USA Today, 5 July 2026
Definition of spots

Browse Nearby Words

hors d'oeuvre
hors d'oeuvres
horse
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Cite this Entry

“Hors d'oeuvres.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hors%20d%27oeuvres. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on hors d'oeuvres

Nglish: Translation of hors d'oeuvres for Spanish Speakers

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