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

Your starter entices with a spicy-tangy flavor, leading into the classic roasted chicken entree. —Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 31 Jan. 2026

Snag a seat at the bar for selections from the raw bar and lighter bites, or kick it family style and share some of their many entrees and sides. —Jessica Chapel, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 Jan. 2026

The daily menu includes breakfast egg bowls, specialty pizzas, sandwiches, mac and cheese, sweets boxes and a daily special dinner entree. —Eddie Fontanez, AZCentral.com, 29 Jan. 2026

Its menu features entrees like the Chilean seabass, a short rib French dip, an extensive list of caviar and multiple desserts for those with a sweet tooth. —Michael Guise, CBS News, 28 Jan. 2026

The entrees will be served with dipping sauces. —Brady MacDonald, Oc Register, 27 Jan. 2026

Aislynne had spaghetti and meatballs for her entree, which had her giggling with happiness and the table laughing along with her. —David Ferrara, Cincinnati Enquirer, 27 Jan. 2026

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

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"