entree: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Formal (Culinary contexts), Literary/Formal (figurative 'access' sense).
Quick answer
What does “entree” mean?
In American English: the main course of a meal. In British English: a small dish served before the main course.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
In American English: the main course of a meal. In British English: a small dish served before the main course.
1. The right or freedom to enter or join a particular place or group (figurative). 2. The act or manner of entering.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In the UK, 'entree' is a starter/appetizer. In the US, it is the main dish. The US usage derives from a historical shift in formal dining sequence.
Connotations
In culinary contexts, it suggests a formal or restaurant setting. The figurative sense ('gaining entree to...') carries connotations of exclusivity and privilege.
Frequency
The culinary sense is common in restaurant contexts. The figurative sense is found in literary, journalistic, and business writing but is less frequent overall.
Grammar
How to Use “entree” in a Sentence
gain/have entree to [a place/group]serve [someone] an entreethe entree consists of [dish]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “entree” in a Sentence
noun
British English
- The entree of smoked salmon was delightful, but I'm still waiting for my steak.
American English
- For my entree, I'll have the grilled sea bass, please.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
'His connections gave him the entree to the boardroom.' (Figurative sense of access)
Academic
The term is used in historical and sociological texts discussing social mobility and access.
Everyday
'What are you having for your entree?' (Primarily US restaurant usage)
Technical
Used in culinary arts and hospitality management with the specific dialectal meanings.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “entree”
- Using 'entree' to mean 'appetizer' in the US. Confusing it with 'hors d'oeuvres'. Spelling it as 'entrée' (with accent) in non-French contexts is acceptable but less common in everyday English.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It depends. In British English, yes. In American English, no—it's the main course.
It comes from French, meaning 'entry'. In formal French service, it entered as a dish served after the soup but before the main roast. In the UK, this sequence was kept. In the US, the sequence simplified, and the 'entree' became the focal main dish.
Yes, figuratively to mean 'the right or means to enter' a place, group, or condition (e.g., 'Her degree was her entree into the profession').
Both are accepted, though in general English writing, the unaccented 'entree' is more common. The accented form emphasizes the French origin.
In American English: the main course of a meal. In British English: a small dish served before the main course.
Entree is usually formal (culinary contexts), literary/formal (figurative 'access' sense). in register.
Entree: in British English it is pronounced /ˈɒntreɪ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈɑːntreɪ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Gain entree into”
- “Have the entree to”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of the French 'entrée' meaning 'entry' or 'entrance.' In the UK, it's the entry to the meal (starter). In the US, historically, it was the entry to the main part of the meal, and the meaning shifted to the main course itself.
Conceptual Metaphor
ACCESS IS ENTRY / FOOD IS A JOURNEY (with courses as stages).
Practice
Quiz
In which dialect does 'entree' refer to the main course of a meal?