Hors d’oeuvres Meaning and Definition
Hors d’oeuvres
Pronunciation
/ˈhɔːr dʊˈeɪvr/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
A small savory food item, typically served at a social gathering or party, often consisting of a bite-sized food, such as a canapé or finger sandwich.
Examples
- The hors d’oeuvres at the cocktail party were delicious.
- A variety of hors d’oeuvres were served at the wedding reception.
Synonyms
- Canapé
- Finger food
- Appetizer
Antonyms
- Main course
- Sandwich
Etymology
The term “Hors d’oeuvres” originates from French, with “hors” meaning “outside” or “beyond” and “d’oeuvres” meaning “works” or “labor”. In the 17th century, it referred to small dishes served outside the main course.
Additional Information
Hors d’oeuvres are an essential part of many social gatherings, as they allow guests to mingle and snack while enjoying conversation and company. They can be savory or sweet, hot or cold, and can range from simple to elaborate in preparation.
The variety of hors d’oeuvres is vast, with options including cheese and crackers, mini quiches, deviled eggs, and canapés made with meats, seafood, and vegetables.
Usage Notes
In casual settings, the terms “hors d’oeuvres” and “appetizers” are often used interchangeably.
Cultural References
- Hors d’oeuvres are a staple at many social gatherings in popular culture, such as parties, weddings, and holiday celebrations.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
- To “pass the hors d’oeuvres” means to offer food to others while mingling.
Related Words or Phrases
- Canapé
- Finger food
- Appetizer
Collocations
- Hors d’oeuvres and wine
- Hors d’oeuvres and cocktails
Frequency of Use
Hors d’oeuvres is a relatively common term in modern language, especially in social and culinary contexts.
Common Misspellings
- Hor’s doeuvres
- Hor doeuvres