amuse-bouche

American  

[ah-mooz-boosh, a-myz-boosh] / ɑˈmuzˈbuʃ, aˌmüzˈbuʃ /

noun

plural

amuse-bouches, amuse-bouche

1. a small appetizer as served, usually without charge, in a restaurant.

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amuse-bouche British  

/ amyzbuʃ /

noun

1. an appetizer before a meal

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Etymology

Origin of amuse-bouche

1955–60; < French amuser to gratify, amuse + bouche mouth

Example Sentences

“I didn’t know what an amuse-bouche was, and for that reason I will always root for ‘Top Chef.’”

From Salon

“Tonight, I’m done with it. Tonight is perhaps an amuse-bouche. A trifle. Something light!”

From New York Times

Plus, the horror elements have actual life-or-death stakes; for a while that makes the silliness of the film’s amuse-bouche jolts and set pieces diverting enough.

From Los Angeles Times

They are the amuse-bouche, the tasty appetizer before the party gets serious and sits for the meal.

From Seattle Times

A little amuse-bouche before the apex of all grilling events, the Fourth of July.

From Seattle Times