Canape
/ˈkæn.ə.peɪ/noun
A small piece of bread or pastry topped with a savory spread or garnish, served as an appetizer.
Did you know?The French word canapé originally meant a couch or sofa, from Greek kánōps for a couch-like bed, and only later became the name for a little bread base that “supports” toppings.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
kánōps
“A couch, bed, or couch-like frame”
Late Latin
Latin
canōpēum
“A couch or sofa, especially one with a canopy”
Old French
French
canape
“A couch or sofa”
18th Century
French
canapé
“A small piece of bread or pastry with a savory topping, by resemblance to a couch supporting a sitter”
Modern English
English
canape
“A small appetizer served on a base of bread, toast, or pastry”