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
  • As in Seneca’s metaphor of honey-making, the ingredients determine the taste of the product, but they are entirely transformed by the generative process.
    — Mario Carpo, Artforum, 1 Sep. 2026
  • In the same interview, Margarita assessed her late grandmother’s taste in jewelry.
    — Bailey Bujnosek, InStyle, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of taste
Noun
  • The lawsuit further alleged that Trader Joe’s put its crustless PB&Js peanut in packaging that too closely resembled the coloring of an Uncrustables box and featured a similar photograph of a sandwich with a bite taken out of one side.
    — Dee-Ann Durbin, Chicago Tribune, 31 Aug. 2026
  • Throughout the night, creatives grazed on light bites from Goop Kitchen—the teriyaki salmon hand rolls were a crowd favorite—and bopped to the tunes from DJ Mariko.
    — Paul Chi, Vogue, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of bite
Noun
  • But talking about corruption in a moral or systemic sense – observing that the country is in decline, or that elites are out of touch – can be effective.
    — Robert Boatright, The Conversation, 27 Aug. 2026
  • Parton, who died Tuesday, was instantly memorialized for her country music fame, glitzy glam and humanitarian touch.
    — Rachel Siegel, CNN Money, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of touch
Noun
  • Not with the Mets (61-75) 12 games back in the chase for the National League’s final wild card spot with 26 games left.
    — Will Sammon, New York Times, 30 Aug. 2026
  • With all 32 teams required to trim their rosters to 53 players by Sunday, Lynn made a strong case for a spot on the Jets’ active roster.
    — Antwan Staley, New York Daily News, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of spot
Noun
  • The surprise drop kicked off a 60-day countdown for the re-issue.
    — Caché McClay, USA Today, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Smooth it through damp hair before styling or use a few drops on dry lengths for an extra hit of shine and polish.
    — Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of drop
Noun
  • End-of-life rare-earth permanent magnets, manufacturing swarf, and other scrap containing critical minerals were deemed recoverable resources essential to national security.
    — Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 31 Aug. 2026
  • Another scrap of Shakespeare appeared, longer this time, echoing down the corridor of memory.
    — Helen Simpson, New Yorker, 30 Aug. 2026
Definition of scrap
Noun
  • 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
  • Trump himself issued mouthfuls of balderdash during the event.
    — Business Columnist, Los Angeles Times, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of mouthful
Noun
  • Family-sized salads and appetizers ($19-22) are also available.
    — Heidi Finley, Charlotte Observer, 24 Aug. 2026
  • This iconic appetizer is synonymous with game day in the South.
    — Jenna Sims, Southern Living, 21 Aug. 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 4 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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