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

The deal includes two entrees, sides and drinks. —Bebe Hodges, Cincinnati Enquirer, 14 Feb. 2026

And the rotating menu of seasonal entrees makes every seating – brunch, lunch and dinner – feel like the restaurant’s main event. —Usa Today Network, USA Today, 11 Feb. 2026

The restaurant patron who would be equally happy with the $25 salmon entree and the $40 top sirloin may be guided to the salmon by price. —Jared Rhoads, STAT, 10 Feb. 2026

The $50 meal includes three appetizers, two entrees, and a dessert. —Jordan Green, Memphis Commercial Appeal, 9 Feb. 2026

The entrees are split between Chinese- and Desi-style dishes, with meats that can be cooked in sauces like chili garlic or vindaloo. —Aviva Bechky, Houston Chronicle, 6 Feb. 2026

Because what's camping or road tripping without being able to host a luxurious Super Bowl blowout with gourmet hors d'oeuvres, entrees and cocktails in your glamping trailer? —New Atlas, 6 Feb. 2026

Built around an unparalleled selection of perfectly charred steaks and chops, the menu doesn't end with meat - an extensive raw bar, plus iconic entrees like the Twin Lobster Tails and Shrimp & Crab Louie, pair perfectly with classic cocktails like martinis and Manhattans. —Courtney Cherry, CBS News, 6 Feb. 2026

Most of the menu is served in plates, with an entree and as many sides as a customer wants. —Timia Cobb breaking News Reporter, Dallas Morning News, 6 Feb. 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"