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
Related Words
Relevance
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
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
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
Kaitlin Menza, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 Apr. 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
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
-
How to keep disease-carrying ticks at bay The best way to avoid ticks and tick bites is to be vigilant in your surroundings, Foley said, noting that ticks can transmit other diseases such as Lyme disease.—
Karen Garcia,
Los Angeles Times,
16 June 2026
-
For the evening, guests, locals, and sometimes, some wrangler performers post-rodeo can enjoy a cocktail and light bites inside and outside, if the weather permits.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
16 June 2026
Noun
-
The best Asian music performance and Latin song Grammys reflect how global listening tastes have become in the streaming era as K-pop, reggaeton and regional Mexican music are three of the most popular genres in the world.—
Ethan Millman,
HollywoodReporter,
16 June 2026
-
Crafted from soft, flexible silicone and durable stainless steel with smooth silicone tips, these BPA-free straws are built to last without retaining tastes, odors, or wear over time.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
16 June 2026
Noun
-
At the same time, brides continue to look for ways to add their personal touches and style points to their big day—and everyone knows Swift likes to weave an Easter egg or two into her looks.—
Anna Cafolla,
Vogue,
15 June 2026
-
These touches set the sandals apart from their plainer counterparts.—
Mariana Zapata,
Travel + Leisure,
15 June 2026
Noun
-
Unknown Republican candidate Michael Stansfield held one of the top two spots in the early results before Pan surged ahead.—
Mathew Miranda,
Sacbee.com,
17 June 2026
-
The list of approvals from the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board includes a variety of nightlife spots, like a bowling alley, gay bars and multiple strip clubs.—
Kaitlyn McCormick,
USA Today,
16 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Hors d'oeuvres.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hors%20d%27oeuvres. Accessed 17 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
