main course
CommonNeutral to formal
Definition
Meaning
The primary and most substantial dish of a meal, typically served after a starter or appetizer and before dessert.
The most important or central part of any event, process, or series.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
In modern dining, the term implies a multi-course structure, but in casual contexts, it can refer to the only substantial dish of a meal.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Both varieties use 'main course' as the standard term. In American English, 'entrée' is commonly used synonymously for the main dish, whereas in British English, 'entrée' can refer to a starter.
Connotations
In both, it denotes a substantial, often savoury, dish. In American English, using 'entrée' may cause ambiguity in international contexts.
Frequency
Equally frequent in both varieties, though 'main course' is preferred in formal British contexts and in American English to avoid confusion.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
the main course of [meal/evening]main course for [dinner/guests]main course followed by [dessert/cheese]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “the main course of the evening (metaphorical)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
In business lunches, the main course is often the focus where deals are discussed.
Academic
Rarely used except in culinary history, sociology of food, or hospitality studies.
Everyday
Common in restaurant settings, family meals, and event planning.
Technical
Standard in culinary arts, menu engineering, and hospitality management.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- I had pasta for my main course.
- The main course is fish and chips.
- The main course was served with fresh vegetables and potatoes.
- What are you choosing for your main course?
- After the soup, the waiter brought out the main course, a perfectly cooked steak.
- The main course, though delicious, was rather heavy.
- The main course, a complex dish of braised lamb with a red wine reduction, was the highlight of the culinary experience.
- In his critique, the food writer described the main course as a bold fusion of traditional and modern techniques.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of the MAIN course as the MAIN event of a meal, just like the main act in a show.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE MEAL IS A JOURNEY, with the main course as the central destination.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid translating 'course' as 'курс' (which means educational course or exchange rate). The correct equivalent is 'основное блюдо'.
- Do not confuse 'main course' with 'main dish' in Russian, as they are the same ('основное блюдо').
- In Russian, 'entrée' is often borrowed as 'антре' but is not commonly used.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'main course' to refer to the entire meal (e.g., 'We had a three-course main course').
- Confusing 'course' with 'coarse' (meaning rough).
- Using 'main course' as a verb or adjective (e.g., 'I will main course the chicken').
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is typically the main course?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
In American English, 'entrée' is synonymous with the main course. In British English and French, 'entrée' usually refers to a starter or first course.
Typically, a formal meal has one main course, but in some cultures or banquet settings, multiple substantial dishes may be served as part of the main offering.
No, the main course can be served hot or cold (e.g., a salad Niçoise as a main course), though it is commonly hot.
After the main course, a dessert, cheese course, or digestif (such as coffee or liqueur) is typically served.