smorgasbord

[ smawr-guhs-bawrd, -bohrdor, often, shmawr- ]

noun

1. a buffet meal of various hot and cold hors d'oeuvres, salads, casserole dishes, meats, cheeses, etc.
2. an extensive array or variety:

   The company has a smorgasbord of employee benefits.

smorgasbord

/ ˈsmɜː-; ˈsmɔːɡəsˌbɔːd /

noun

1. a variety of cold or hot savoury dishes, such as pâté, smoked salmon, etc, served in Scandinavia as hors d'oeuvres or as a buffet meal

Word History and Origins

Origin of smorgasbord¹

First recorded in 1875–80; from Swedish smörgåsbord, equivalent to smörgås “(slice of) bread and butter, sandwich,” from smör “butter”; ( smear ( def ) ) + gås “goose, (dialect) lump of fat or butter” ( goose ( def ) ) + bord “table” ( board ( def ) )

Word History and Origins

Origin of smorgasbord¹

Swedish, from smörgås sandwich + bord table

Example Sentences

As players led a brawny ape and a cartwheeling monkey through jungles, ancient ruins and snowscapes, they were treated to a musical smorgasbord of atmospheric tunes.

From New York Times

The former president delights in well-done steak and fast food, and served a smorgasbord from McDonald’s and similar outlets at a 2019 White House gathering to honor the champion Clemson University football team.

From Los Angeles Times

The Conservative's shadow science secretary Andrew Griffith described the speech as a "smorgasbord" including some "socialist greatest hits", such as new employments rights which he said would impose "red tape" on businesses.

From BBC

The Gathering is filled with well-rounded, believable characters who grapple with a smorgasbord of contemporary themes.

From BBC

Enjoy this whimsical smorgasbord of art fare — and eat your heart out.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• array
• assortment
• hodgepodge
• mishmash