amuse-gueule

American  

[ah-mooz-gœl, a-myz-gœl] / ɑˈmuzˈgœl, aˌmüzˈgœl /

noun

plural

amuse-gueules, amuse-gueule

1. amuse-bouche.

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Etymology

Origin of amuse-gueule

1960–65; < French amuser to gratify, amuse + gueule mouth

Explanation

An amuse-gueule is a small taste of food that's meant to whet your appetite for a larger meal to follow. At a fancy restaurant, you might be served an amuse-gueule before the first course. The French amuse-gueule means "it entertains the mouth," and it refers to a bite-sized serving of food that's usually chosen by a chef rather than ordered off a menu. It has the same meaning as amuse-bouche, which is more commonly used by English speakers. If you say, "What a delicious amuse-gueule!" after you pop a truffled quail egg or tiny seared scallop in your mouth, you'll know you're using the more authentically French term.

Example Sentences

As a literary artefact the menu is powerful indeed: a psychic amuse-gueule.

From The Guardian • Sep. 28, 2012

No surprise, then, that someone should hit on the wheeze of making the menu a literal amuse-gueule as well.

From The Guardian • Sep. 28, 2012

The amuse-gueule of such commentary came early Friday from Socialist legislator and unshakable DSK ally Jean-Marie Le Guen.

From Time • Jul. 1, 2011