hors d'oeuvre

noun

plural hors d'oeuvres also hors d'oeuvre ȯr-ˈdərv(z) How to pronounce hors d'oeuvre (audio)
: any of various savory foods usually served as appetizers

Examples of hors d'oeuvre in a Sentence

a tray of assorted hors d'oeuvres
Recent Examples on the Web The inn is relaxed and welcoming, with unique touches like nightly wine and hors d'oeuvres and complimentary ice cream treats delivered to your room. Austa Somvichian-Clausen, Travel + Leisure, 10 Oct. 2024 In addition to gaming, the evening will include complimentary wine and beer, heavy hors d'oeuvres and a silent auction. Deb Harvell, arkansasonline.com, 23 Sep. 2024 While trays of chef Sophia Roe’s delicate hors d'oeuvres like English pea tarts, caviar edible spoons and elderflower pate de fruits passed through the crowd, perfumer Christine Nagel toasted the house’s newest fragrance, Barénia. Arden Fanning Andrews, Vogue, 18 Sep. 2024 And in a city known for both fashion and food, the latter was magnifique—following the aforementioned hors d'oeuvres were plates of sea bass, ravioli, and stuffed zucchini flowers. Leah Faye Cooper, Vogue, 25 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for hors d'oeuvre 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'hors d'oeuvre.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

French hors-d'œuvre, literally, outside of the work

First Known Use

1714, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of hors d'oeuvre was in 1714

Dictionary Entries Near hors d'oeuvre

Cite this Entry

“Hors d'oeuvre.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hors%20d%27oeuvre. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

hors d'oeuvre

noun
plural hors d'oeuvres also hors d'oeuvre -ˈdərv(z) How to pronounce hors d'oeuvre (audio)
: any of various tasty foods usually served as appetizers
Etymology

from French hors-d'œuvre "appetizers," from the phrase hors d'œuvre, literally, "outside of work"

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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