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

Guests will have the opportunity to select from three lunch entrees. —Sharon Hlapcich, Oc Register, 8 Jan. 2026

According to 247 Sports’ transfer database, Texas has 22 portal entrees as of Thursday afternoon. —Thomas Jones, Austin American Statesman, 8 Jan. 2026

Elia boasts a large lineup of shareable appetizers, including the showy saganaki, and diners rave about the lamb, octopus, sea bass and seafood paella entrees. —Linda Zavoral, Mercury News, 7 Jan. 2026

Simply called Julien’s, the new restaurant in the town center at 9 Bank St, will sell breads, as well and include a grab and go section of seasonal entrees, salads, soups and more made with ingredients from partner local farms. —Pamela McLoughlin, Hartford Courant, 6 Jan. 2026

What the chef recommends at The Fat Lamb The cioppino is McGarity’s personal favorite as well as his entree recommendation for The Fat Lamb first-timers. —Lennie Omalza, Louisville Courier Journal, 6 Jan. 2026

As far as entrees, guests can pick from chicken teryaki, tonkatsu ramen and steak hibachi. —Tanasia Kenney, Charlotte Observer, 5 Jan. 2026

The casual American eatery in midtown offers small shareables and hefty entrees alongside its signature pizzas. —Sacbee.com, 30 Dec. 2025

Each adult with a valid entree can bring up to six kids for free. —Abby Hamblin, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 Dec. 2025

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"