entrée

noun

en·​trée ˈän-ˌtrā 

also än-ˈtrā

variants or entree

1

a

: the act or manner of entering : entrance

b

: freedom of entry or access

2

: the main course of a meal in the U.S.

Did you know?

The culinary sense of entrée can be traced back to 18th-century Britain. In those days a formal dinner could include not only the principal courses of soup, fish, meat, and dessert, but also an impressive array of side dishes. Between the fish and meat courses would come a small side dish, and because this secondary dish came immediately before the centerpiece of the meal, it was called the entrée, being, in effect, the entrance to the really important part of the meal. As dining habits have changed, meals have become simpler, and fewer courses are served. However, in the US, the course following the appetizer continued to be called the entrée, perhaps because it is a French word, and anything French always sounds elegant.

Synonyms of entrée

• access
• entry
• admission
• accession
• entrance

Examples of entrée in a Sentence

We had steak as an entrée.

entrée to the country club is through sponsorship by someone who is already a member

Recent Examples on the Web

There are several open bars and various food stations serving up starters, entrees, and dessert. — Tori Latham, Robb Report, 30 June 2026

But for an entree fit for a holiday party, look toward pasta salad. — Kate Williams, AJC.com, 29 June 2026

There will be plenty of chances for Swain to break down defenders and attempt to wow on his way to the basket — but those moments will be a garnish rather than the main entree of his rookie season. — Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 25 June 2026

In addition to brunch and dessert, The Magic Castle offers a dinner menu with classic cocktails, salads, soups and entrees such as prime rib, pork chops and citrus rosemary chicken. — Sarah Linn june 23, Sacbee.com, 23 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

French entrée, from Old French — more at entry

First Known Use

1692, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

entrée

noun

en·​trée

variants or entree

ˈän-ˌtrā 

1

: the main dish of a meal

2

a

: entrance entry 1 sense 1

b

: freedom of entry

Etymology

from French entrée "act or manner of entering"