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

But in 2024, the Disney team unveiled a new menu, focused primarily on ‘build-your-own’ rice bowl and salad options alongside a couple of handheld entrees. — Elliott Harrell, Southern Living, 12 July 2026

The first Cotoletta, on Grand Avenue in Coconut Grove, was an immediate hit and still draws lines of diners eager to try the restaurant’s veal Milanese (which not incidentally is the only entree on the menu). — Connie Ogle july 9, Miami Herald, 9 July 2026

This year, owner Adolfo Gomez is offering a three-course prix fixe meal — entree choices include Ribeye Steak, Branzino — for $49 a person. — Linda Zavoral, Mercury News, 9 July 2026

Kura sells ramen, udon, dozens of sushi options and other entrees. — Jenna Thompson july 8, Kansas City Star, 8 July 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"