zakuska

noun

za·​kus·​ka

variants or less commonly zakooska

zəˈku̇skə

plural zakuski

-skē

or zakuska

: hors d'oeuvre

Word History

Etymology

Russian zakuska, from zakusit' to have a snack, from za for, behind + -kusit' (from kus morsel); akin to Lithuanian dialect az̆u, az̆ for, behind, Armenian z with regard to, and to Greek knōdōn sword, Lithuanian kąsti to bite, Latin cinis ashes

The Ultimate Dictionary Awaits

Expand your vocabulary and dive deeper into language with Merriam-Webster Unabridged.

1. Expanded definitions
2. Detailed etymologies
3. Advanced search tools
4. All ad-free

Discover what makes Merriam-Webster Unabridged the essential choice for true word lovers.

Start Your Free Trial Now