main course

American  

noun

1. Nautical. a square mainsail.

2. the principal dish or course of a meal, typically including meat or fish.

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main course British  

noun

1. the principal dish of a meal

2. nautical a square mainsail

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Etymology

Origin of main course

First recorded in 1505–15

Example Sentences

The appetizers, especially the charred grapes with mozzarella cheese and balsamic vinegar cream, were better than the main course.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 1, 2026

The five-time major champion goes back to his roots with Irish champ as a main course side dish to accompany either wagyu filet mignon or seared salmon.

From BBC • Mar. 18, 2026

Coup de Tête, a restaurant there, has prix fixe meals including a starter and a main course or a main course and a dessert that set you back a mere €19.50.

From Barron's • Mar. 8, 2026

For the main course, I enjoyed a classic — butter chicken — alongside a poached lobster tail in a green coconut masala with Mexican chili and coriander-mint purée.

From Salon • Mar. 7, 2026

Then, as they're serving the main course, I hear Haymitch say, "Okay, enough small talk, just how bad were you today?"

From "The Hunger Games" by Suzanne Collins