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hors d'oeuvres

  • plural
    of hors d'oeuvre.
    hors d'oeuvre
    noun
    a small bit of appetizing food, as spicy meat, fish, cheese, or a preparation of chopped or creamed foods, often served on crackers or small pieces of toast, for eating at cocktail parties or other gatherings where drinks are served with no other food.

Example Sentences

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Early on, the knock was that New England, 4-13 the last couple of seasons, was feasting on an easy schedule, including light hors d’oeuvres like the Jets.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jan. 19, 2026

The shallow water helps protect them from larger sharks and killer whales that would eat them with relish, like chewy hors d’oeuvres, if they drifted too far into the deep blue sea.

From Los Angeles Times ● Mar. 14, 2025

Guests snacked on canapés and hors d’oeuvres before proceeding upstairs for the main course.

From Slate ● Mar. 3, 2025

"Hors d'oeuvres were meant to be available to all guests. And the leftovers from the dinner were the promised hors d'oeuvres."

From BBC ● Sep. 27, 2024

"When I saw the invitation in the elevator I suggested to Mr. Hoo that he call the judge to see if she needed hors d'oeuvres; and sure enough, he got an order for six dozen."

From "The Westing Game" by Ellen Raskin

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