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The culinary sense of entrée can be traced back to 18th-century Britain. In those days a formal dinner could include not only the principal courses of soup, fish, meat, and dessert, but also an impressive array of side dishes. Between the fish and meat courses would come a small side dish, and because this secondary dish came immediately before the centerpiece of the meal, it was called the entrée, being, in effect, the entrance to the really important part of the meal. As dining habits have changed, meals have become simpler, and fewer courses are served. However, in the US, the course following the appetizer continued to be called the entrée, perhaps because it is a French word, and anything French always sounds elegant.
Examples of entrée in a Sentence
ABC News, 20 May 2026
If breakfast for dinner is your favorite, head to Iron Rooster for breakfast options all day, as well as Lowcountry entrees and fresh seafood.
—Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 18 May 2026
In an arrest affidavit, the Metro Nashville Police Department reported Eatherly ordered two entrees, cocktails and appetizers totaling $371.
—Natalie Neysa Alund, USA Today, 14 May 2026
Kai Modern Japanese Kitchen is also set to feature a variety of other entrees, including Miso Yaki Salmon at $23, the Monsoon Vegan Curry and Tofu at $16 and the Hibachi Fried Rice ranging from $11 to $16 depending on the choice of protein.
—R. Christian Smith, Chicago Tribune, 14 May 2026
Kartick, who doesn't eat pork or beef, said the vegetables have been fresher and the cafeteria staff often makes entrees vegetarian upon request.
—Joe Hernandez, NPR, 14 May 2026
Most dishes, like the chicken shawarma ($12 as a wrap, $16 as an entree) is also big enough to split between two people.
—Ella Gonzales
may 13, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 13 May 2026
The three of us ate our entrees.
—Judith Martin, Sun Sentinel, 12 May 2026
Sides and sauces can come after entrees; desserts should be at the very end of the page.
—Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Entrée.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/entr%C3%A9e. Accessed 24 May. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
entrée
nounfrom French entrée "act or manner of entering"
