canapé

noun

can·​a·​pé ˈka-nə-pē How to pronounce canapé (audio)
-ˌpā
Synonyms of canapénext
: an appetizer consisting of a piece of bread or toast or a cracker topped with a savory spread (such as caviar or cheese) compare hors d'oeuvre

Examples of canapé 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.
There likely will be canapes to enjoy as well, such as dates with sunflower cream. — Jeanine Barone, Forbes.com, 8 July 2025 Cocktail hours—with canapes and your choice of drinks, headlined by whisky and Champagne—led to three-course dinners. — Jake Emen, Robb Report, 18 Dec. 2025 Ben, making good on the promise to lead with a better mindset, agrees to move lunch up 45 minutes and appease the guests with canapes in the meantime. — Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 10 Mar. 2026 Guests were served canapes including a surprisingly brilliant mango and mung bean tartare plus chicken teriyaki kebabs, all washed down with elegant Hugo Spritz and espresso martinis. — Partner Content, Variety, 9 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for canapé

Word History

Etymology

French, literally, sofa, from Medieval Latin canopeum, canapeum mosquito net — more at canopy

First Known Use

circa 1750, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of canapé was circa 1750

Browse Nearby Words

canao
canapé
canapina
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Canapé.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/canap%C3%A9. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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