How to Pronounce “hors d'oeuvre”

American (US)

/ɔːr ˈdɜːrv/

British (UK)

/ɔː ˈdɜːv/

noun — A small, light, and usually savory first course in a meal.

The final e is silent. The transcription /ɔːr ˈdɜːrv/ ends on a consonant sound, so the written e at the end of “hors d'oeuvre” is not pronounced.

A loanword from French. In “hors d’oeuvre” the h and both s are silent, and the oeu is a rounded front vowel English lacks. The usual approximation is “or-DERV”.

Where the stress falls. “hors d'oeuvre” has 2 syllables, and the transcription /ɔːr ˈdɜːrv/ puts the primary stress mark (ˈ) before the second one — so the second syllable is the longest and loudest. The others are said quickly and lightly.

What does "hors d'oeuvre" mean?

hors d'oeuvre (noun): A small, light, and usually savory first course in a meal.

How do you pronounce "hors d'oeuvre" in American vs British English?

American English: /ɔːr ˈdɜːrv/. British English: /ɔː ˈdɜːv/. Play both on this page to hear the difference.

What is the IPA transcription of "hors d'oeuvre"?

/ɔːr ˈdɜːrv/ in American English, /ɔː ˈdɜːv/ in British English.

Which syllable is stressed in "hors d'oeuvre"?

“hors d'oeuvre” has 2 syllables, and the transcription /ɔːr ˈdɜːrv/ puts the primary stress mark (ˈ) before the second one — so the second syllable is the longest and loudest. The others are said quickly and lightly.