hors d'oeuvre: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal
Quick answer
What does “hors d'oeuvre” mean?
A small portion of food served before a meal, typically to stimulate the appetite.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A small portion of food served before a meal, typically to stimulate the appetite.
A preliminary or introductory item, event, or sample that precedes a main event.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
UK usage is highly influenced by French culinary tradition; US usage is common in formal dining but 'appetizer' is far more frequent in casual speech.
Connotations
In the UK, suggests higher formality/fine dining. In the US, it can sound pretentious or deliberately fancy.
Frequency
More frequent in UK English, though still formal. In US English, 'appetizer' dominates casual contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “hors d'oeuvre” in a Sentence
Before the meal, they served [hors d'oeuvre].The [hors d'oeuvre] was passed around on silver trays.Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used metaphorically: 'The merger announcement was just a hors d'oeuvre for the major restructuring to come.'
Academic
Rare, except in historical or cultural studies of cuisine.
Everyday
Used primarily for formal dinner parties or events.
Technical
Used in professional culinary and hospitality contexts.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “hors d'oeuvre”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “hors d'oeuvre”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “hors d'oeuvre”
- Spelling: 'hors d'ouvre', 'hors d'ourves'. Plural: 'hors d'oeuvres' (with an 's') is acceptable for a variety.
- Pronounced as one word 'horse-doovers'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
The plural is typically 'hors d'oeuvres' (pronounced the same), especially when referring to a variety of items.
In American English, yes, but more formally. In UK English, a 'starter' is a more substantial first course served at the table, whereas hors d'oeuvre are smaller, often passed items served before sitting.
British: /ˌɔː ˈdɜːv/. American: /ˌɔr ˈdɜrv/. It sounds like 'or DERV'.
Use 'hors d'oeuvre' in formal writing or contexts describing sophisticated dining. 'Appetizer' is the safe, all-purpose term for everyday use.
A small portion of food served before a meal, typically to stimulate the appetite.
Hors d'oeuvre is usually formal in register.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A mere hors d'oeuvre (a minor preliminary event).”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'HORS D'oeuvre' is served BEFORE you go 'DO the main course'.
Conceptual Metaphor
BEGINNING IS A SMALL TASTE (e.g., 'That lecture was just a hors d'oeuvre for the full course.')
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is closest in meaning to 'hors d'oeuvre'?