canapé

noun

can·​a·​pé ˈka-nə-pē 

-ˌpā

: 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

And a complimentary evening cocktail and canapes are a thoughtful touch. —Joanne Shurvell, Forbes, 7 Mar. 2025

Also included are après ski canapes, which meet you at the door upon returning from the slopes—along with flutes of champagne. —Larry Olmsted, Forbes, 7 Jan. 2025

With this exclusive lounge access, you’ll be treated to a complimentary continental breakfast, evening canapes, and dessert. —Danielle Harling, Travel + Leisure, 31 Dec. 2024

Before making their way there, though, diners will enjoy canapes out on the patio, courtesy of L.A.’s year-round sunshine. —Tori Latham, Robb Report, 13 Dec. 2024

The presidential election is too close for comfort for either side, and a loss would be too devastating to be accompanied by canapes. —The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 5 Nov. 2024

Sit down for an aperitivo—perhaps a Negroni or spritz accompanied by delicious canapes and nibbles—at San Carlo. —The Bon Appétit Staff & Contributors, Bon Appétit, 7 Oct. 2024

Luxury cars line the driveway, and the Lobby Lounge of the Pac Rim (nicknamed by regulars) is usually buzzing with locals and tourists who chat over cocktails and canapes while listening to live music on most evenings of the week. —Bianca Bujan, Travel + Leisure, 1 Aug. 2024

There was champagne and canapes, and, at the Perrotin store, next to his main first floor gallery, frozen ice desserts. —Sarah Douglas, ARTnews.com, 3 July 2024

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