entrée

noun

en·trée | \ ˈän-ˌtrā also än-ˈtrā

How to pronounce entrée (audio)

\

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

The name describes the fare; sandwiches are inexpensive, entrees range between $10 and $20, and don't skip the baklava dessert. — Robert Philpot And Bud Kennedy, star-telegram, "In town for the NFL Draft? Here's a roster of Arlington restaurants | Fort Worth Star-Telegram," 16 Apr. 2018 The previous high for underclassmen given special entree by the NFL was 98 in 2014. — USA TODAY, "Josh Rosen, Sam Darnold among record number of underclassmen in NFL draft," 19 Jan. 2018 For entrees, grilled lamb, chicken and fish options cost $18 to $22. — Nyssa Kruse, courant.com, "Zaytoon's Bistro Serves Up Fresh, Authentic Lebanese Dishes," 26 June 2018 Privacy - Terms Owned by Deftones drummer Abe Cunningham and the people behind the Shady Lady Saloon and B-Sides, Amaro failed to find enough takers for Italian entrees that often crept up toward $20 and flamed out after just one year in business. — Benjy Egel, sacbee, "Midtown Japanese chain franchisees to open quick-service restaurant at 11th and R streets," 6 June 2018 Accompanying the entrees was a colorful pepper-cabbage assortment delivering a spice-burst that competed too aggressively with the main item on the plate. — Tim Smith, baltimoresun.com, "Get It Inn provides spicy addition to Locust Point," 18 Apr. 2018 Be in the mood for pasta, pizza and well-prepared entrees, and the trek is well worth it. — Marc Bona, cleveland.com, "Vaccaro's Trattoria keeps focus on all things Italian - family, food, wine (review)," 12 Apr. 2018 Among the entrees are spaghetti and meatballs, lasagna and fettuccine Alfredo. — John Tuohy, Indianapolis Star, "Satisfy your appetite at these Hamilton County restaurants participating in Devour Indy," 24 Jan. 2018 And the book’s full of adaptable recipes for fast entrees, each with its own sauce made in the same pan. — Bethany Jean Clement, The Seattle Times, "How one game-changing recipe can make you a better cook: Susan Volland’s ‘Searing Inspiration’," 21 Nov. 2018

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.

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Dictionary Entries near entrée

Statistics for entrée

Last Updated

15 May 2019

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Time Traveler for entrée

The first known use of entrée was in 1692

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More Definitions for entrée

entrée

noun

English Language Learners Definition of entrée

: the main dish of a meal especially in a restaurant

: the act or manner of entering something

: the right to enter something

See the full definition for entrée in the English Language Learners Dictionary

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