entree
entree Lexical Profile
entree Game Scores & Validity
• noun
North American The main course of a meal.
"For her entree, she ordered the grilled salmon with roasted asparagus."
British A small dish served before the main course of a meal, or between two principal courses in a formal dinner.
"We shared a light entree of scallops before the roast beef arrived."
The right, privilege, or means of entering a place or gaining admission into a particular social group or sphere.
"His prestigious internship provided an entree into the competitive publishing industry."
Word Nuance & Usage
In North American English, 'entree' refers to the main course of a meal, whereas in British, Australian, and French usage, it denotes a smaller starter dish served before the main course.
• Rhymes for entree
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed in the 18th century from French 'entrée' ('entry, entrance'), the feminine past participle of 'entrer' ('to enter'), from Latin 'intrare'. In traditional European multi-course dining, it originally designated the dish that marked the formal entry into the main part of the banquet, later shifting to mean the main course itself in North America as formal meal structures simplified.