amuse-bouche

noun

ə-ˈmyüz-ˈbüsh How to pronounce amuse-bouche (audio) ˈä-ˌmüz-ˈbüsh How to pronounce amuse-bouche (audio)
-ˌmᵫz-
plural amuse-bouches also amuses-bouches ə-ˈmyüz-büsh How to pronounce amuse-bouche (audio)
-ˈbü-shəz,
ˈä-ˌmüz-ˈbüsh How to pronounce amuse-bouche (audio)
-ˈbü-shəz,
-ˌmᵫz-
Synonyms of amuse-bouchenext
: a small complimentary appetizer offered at some restaurants

Examples of amuse-bouche in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
With each new dish, flavors, portions, complexity and texture build from there. Editors’ Picks Image Image The amuse-bouche is usually whimsical, and starts the performance at the table and buys the kitchen time. — Alix Strauss, New York Times, 15 Feb. 2025 Couples enjoying dinner at Papaya Club Feb. 14-15 can enjoy a complimentary oyster amuse-bouche. — Amy Drew Thompson, Orlando Sentinel, 6 Feb. 2025

Word History

Etymology

French, literally, (it) entertains (the) mouth

First Known Use

1959, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of amuse-bouche was in 1959

Rhymes for amuse-bouche

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Browse Nearby Words

amuse
amuse-bouche
amused
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Podcast

Theme music by Joshua Stamper ©2006 New Jerusalem Music/ASCAP

Cite this Entry

“Amuse-bouche.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/amuse-bouche. Accessed 2 Apr. 2025.

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