entrée
Americannoun
-
a dish served as the main course of a meal.
-
Older Use. a dish served at dinner between the principal courses.
-
the privilege of entering; access.
-
a means of obtaining entry.
His friendship with an actor's son was his entrée into the theatrical world.
-
the act of entering; entrance.
noun
-
a dish served before a main course
-
the main course of a meal
-
the power or right of entry
Other Word Forms
Noun Inflected Forms
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.
Vocabulary lists containing entree
The Watsons Go to Birmingham
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
Feed
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
English Words Derived from French, List 7
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The reality competition features four chefs who transform baskets of mystery items into an appetizer, entrée or a dessert.
From Salon • Jun. 15, 2026
Each entrée contained approximately 3.0-3.5 ounces of meat and was served in foods such as fajitas, burgers, stew, burritos, and stir fry.
From Science Daily • May 22, 2026
Baker Hughes has relationships with the national oil companies in the Middle East, giving Flexsteel an entrée to grow dramatically over time.
From Barron's • Jan. 16, 2026
With its work by Andy Warhol, Francesco Clemente, Jean-Michel Basquiat and many others, our critic called the show “a superlative entrée to the movers and shakers of the period.”
From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 7, 2025
Sutton’s is a cafeteria down the street from the department store, with trays that you slide down a steel counter to select just what you want for your entrée and side dish.
From "It All Comes Down to This" by Karen English
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
