hors d'oeuvre

noun

ȯr-ˈdərv 

plural hors d'oeuvres also hors d'oeuvre ȯr-ˈdərv(z) 

: 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

As the night unfolded, custom martinis and margaritas were sipped, and caviar dress hors d'oeuvres were nibbled on, all while guests danced to upbeat DJ mixes by model Ruby Aldridge and Va$htie. —Kiana Murden, Vogue, 19 Apr. 2024

As hors d'oeuvres and champagne glasses were passed, luminaries from the art world arrived in resplendent fashion; Misty Copeland graced the scene in a black floral bustier dress, while Agnes Gund shimmered in a sequined black jacket. —Maia Torres, Vogue, 9 Apr. 2024

For pre-dinner hors d'oeuvres, try the cheese and charcuterie board with one of the many specialty cocktails or craft beers. —Kira Turnbull, Travel + Leisure, 2 Apr. 2024

The reception kicked off with a cocktail hour, as well as hors d'oeuvres including crab cakes, bruschetta and buffalo chicken spring rolls. —Erin Clack, Peoplemag, 14 Dec. 2023

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

1714, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

hors d'oeuvre

noun

ȯr-ˈdərv 

plural hors d'oeuvres also hors d'oeuvre -ˈdərv(z) 

: 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"