entree

Meanings

1. 1nouncountableAmerican

   the main dish of a meal, especially in American English

   Grammar: Countable; in British English it usually means a starter instead.

   Patterns

   • the entree
   • an entree of something
   • order an entree

   For my entree, I ordered grilled salmon with vegetables.

   The restaurant offers several vegetarian entrees.

   The entree was served with a side salad.

2. 2nouncountableBritish

   a dish served before the main course, especially in British English

   Grammar: Countable; in American English this would be called an appetizer.

   Patterns

   • an entree
   • serve an entree

   We had soup as an entree before the roast.

   In Britain, an entree may be a small dish before the main course.

3. 3noununcountableformal

   the right or freedom to enter a place or join a group

   Grammar: Uncountable; often followed by 'to' or 'into'.

   Patterns

   • entree to something
   • entree into something

   His wealth gave him entree to the most exclusive clubs.

   The scholarship provided entree into a top university.

Word forms

Common combinations

main entree

The main entree was a hearty beef stew.

entree to society

Her marriage gave her entree to high society.

order an entree

We ordered our entrees and then waited.

entree into a market

The company sought entree into the Asian market.

Synonyms and how they differ

main course

Main course is the clear term for the primary dish in both British and American English.

starter

Starter is the British word for a dish before the main course; in American English 'appetizer' is used.

access

Access is a general word for the right to enter; entree is more formal and often implies social admission.

Commonly confused: entree or entry?

Practice

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