entrée

noun

en·trée | \ ˈän-ˌtrā also än-ˈtrā

variants: or entree

Definition of entrée

1a : the act or manner of entering : entrance

b : freedom of entry or access

2 : the main course of a meal in the U.S.

Synonyms Did You Know? Example Sentences Learn More about entrée

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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.

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

El Fenix: Get a $1 guacamole appetizer with entree purchase at all locations Monday with a coupon that will be posted Monday at www.elfenix.com/Offers. — Kelly Tyko, USA TODAY, "It's not your imagination. Chipotle's guacamole is different and avocado prices are down," 14 Sep. 2019 The first 100 customers age 16 and older will get a free sandwich and entree salad once a week for a year. — Daily Pilot, "Biz News: Changes ahead for Costa Mesa’s South Coast Collection," 7 Aug. 2019 Guests can choose from five entree options, including duck confit with potato galette and port-fig sauce. — San Diego Union-Tribune, "The Dish: Opening Day tops this week’s events," 11 July 2019 Perhaps the closure is simply a sign of the times; many of today's rising power brokers may be happier making a deal over a Sweetgreen salad than a lunch whose least expensive entree option is a $36 tuna burger. — Sam Dangremond, Town & Country, "The Four Seasons Restaurant Is Closing, Less Than a Year After Moving to a New Location," 10 June 2019 Enjoy a three-course menu offering five entree options for $59 per person on June 16. — Chris Sims, Indianapolis Star, "Where to find Father's Day brunch deals, restaurant specials to help you celebrate," 4 June 2019 These are just a few of the entree and dessert menu item offerings during Troy Restaurant Week. — Susan Selasky, Detroit Free Press, "Troy restaurant week kicks off Sunday: What you need to know," 14 Aug. 2019 Nothing is really a miss at Bettola, but a couple of the starches weren’t as impressive as the meatier entrees. — Allyson Reedy, The Know, "Restaurant review: Bettola gives Aurora a date night-perfect Italian bistro," 1 Aug. 2019 The chicken entree, a Frenched chicken breast arrayed with fingerlings and arugula, could have been roasted more to crisp the skin up. — Rand Richards Cooper, courant.com, "Review: Brizo in Rocky Hill," 10 July 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'entrée.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.