entrée

American  

[ahn-trey] / ˈɑn treɪ /

Or entree

noun

1. a dish served as the main course of a meal.

2. Older Use. a dish served at dinner between the principal courses.

3. the privilege of entering; access.

   Synonyms:

   entry, admission

4. a means of obtaining entry.

   His friendship with an actor's son was his entrée into the theatrical world.

   Synonyms:

   entry, admission

5. the act of entering; entrance.

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entrée British  

/ ˈɒntreɪ /

noun

1. a dish served before a main course

2. the main course of a meal

3. the power or right of entry

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Etymology

Origin of entrée

1775–85; < French, noun use of feminine past participle of entrer to enter; see entry

Explanation

Go to a fancy restaurant and take a look at the menu. If you decide to order the chicken, you've just selected your entree. Entree, pronounced "ON-tray" and sometimes spelled entrée, is another word for main course, at least as it's usually used in this country. Sometimes people talk about having an entree into society, or into some club. When it's used in those contexts, it usually means you have someone who's going to smooth the way, introduce you, and allow you to enter.

Related Words

• admission