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

For the price of a lunch for two at a sit-down restaurant these days, the tip costs as much as a small entree. —Jeanne Phillips, Mercury News, 25 Jan. 2026

The entree contains a choice of a half-pound burger or a chicken sandwich, salad or fries and a draft beer or glass of wine. —Carlos Rico, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 Jan. 2026

Unlike the shorter and wider traditional pambazos, Avila’s are narrower and 13 inches long — large enough to call an entree. —Miguel Otárola, Denver Post, 20 Jan. 2026

Customers can find warm, hearty entrees like the Gumbo Ya-Ya or light, bright options like the salmon berry salad, along with other delicious dishes. —Amanda Hancock, IndyStar, 16 Jan. 2026

Start with a brandy old-fashioned at the bar, enjoy an appetizer or bread basket, soup, salad, entree, choice of potatoes, and, finally, an after-dinner drink (usually with ice cream). —Ron Faiola, Midwest Living, 15 Jan. 2026

Pair the burger with another limited-time entree such as the Fiesta Lime Chicken or Oriental Chicken Salad along with an appetizer or two side salads, all for $25. —Melinda Salchert, Southern Living, 12 Jan. 2026

Guests who dress in a cow print that day can receive one free entree or kid's meal while supplies last. —Gail Ciampa, The Providence Journal, 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

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"