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.
But judging from this amuse-bouche, jury is still out on the romantic leads. — Brittany Allen, Literary Hub, 25 June 2026 One Battle and Marty Supreme were mostly awards feasts with an amuse-bouche of box-office points. — Justin Segrest, Vulture, 19 Mar. 2026 Not that everything’s rustic—take the pommes pavé, which started out as an amuse-bouche on Ramie’s refined dinner menu. — Allecia Vermillion, Bon Appetit Magazine, 26 May 2026 The aesthetic presentation also celebrates nature; a gnarled grape vine serves as a platter to display the amuses-bouches. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for amuse-bouche

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

See All Rhymes for amuse-bouche

Browse Nearby Words

amuse
amuse-bouche
amused
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Cite this Entry

“Amuse-bouche.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/amuse-bouche. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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