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
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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
-
Often apologizing in between bites, Beard, 40, eats savagely with his hands, squeezing food and mashing it into his mouth.—
Michael Deeds,
Idaho Statesman,
6 Apr. 2026
-
Then finally, The Big Brunch will wrap things up with live-fire grilling samples, and also brunch bites.—
Ella Gonzales
April 6,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
6 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Milton, who does it full-time, posts exquisite videos of the food, with mood music to suit the vibe of each or talks colorfully about the tastes.—
Pamela McLoughlin,
Hartford Courant,
31 Mar. 2026
-
The county could seek to change Indian Creek to something more palatable to 21st-century tastes, yet officials might want to nudge trustees in the tiny village of Indian Creek to consider a different name.—
Charles Selle,
Chicago Tribune,
30 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
The rooms The decor is chicly understated with classic, subtle Hawaiiana touches, like textured grass wall treatments, tropical patterns in neutral tones, and beautiful vintage woodblock prints (there’s also a fantastic collection of art and artifacts in the lobby that shouldn’t be missed).—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
7 Apr. 2026
-
And, of course, there are plenty of custom ceramic elements in a nod to Clase Azul’s decanters, along with touches of the brand’s signature blue hue and art galore.—
Nicole Hoey,
Robb Report,
6 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
The staff remembered my name, asked about my day, offered insights about the neighborhood, and shared their favorite spots.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
1 Apr. 2026
-
The Czechs and Swedes defended their home turf to claim two of the final spots in the World Cup field with victories in playoffs Tuesday.—
Jim Barnes,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
31 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Hors d'oeuvres.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hors%20d%27oeuvres. Accessed 8 Apr. 2026.
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