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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
New Atlas, 6 Feb. 2026
Built around an unparalleled selection of perfectly charred steaks and chops, the menu doesn't end with meat - an extensive raw bar, plus iconic entrees like the Twin Lobster Tails and Shrimp & Crab Louie, pair perfectly with classic cocktails like martinis and Manhattans.
—Courtney Cherry, CBS News, 6 Feb. 2026
Most of the menu is served in plates, with an entree and as many sides as a customer wants.
—Timia Cobb
breaking News Reporter, Dallas Morning News, 6 Feb. 2026
Along with the breathtaking scenery, the highlight of The Vietage tea service is the main entree of poached Bai Dai lobster with local Da Lat caviar atop homemade blinis.
—Jessica Puckett, Condé Nast Traveler, 5 Feb. 2026
Women get a free bottle of Champagne with purchase of an entree.
—Kari Barnett, Sun Sentinel, 5 Feb. 2026
Bonnell’s special for the night includes lobster bisque, tomato-jalapeño soup or salad, plus a choice of entrees including a surf-and-turf combo with the restaurant’s popular bison tenderloin and lobster thermidor.
—Bud Kennedy, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 4 Feb. 2026
Appetizers typically run around $5-$10, while main entrees are in the $13-$35 range.
—Evan Moore, Charlotte Observer, 4 Feb. 2026
Your starter entices with a spicy-tangy flavor, leading into the classic roasted chicken entree.
—Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 31 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Entrée.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/entr%C3%A9e. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
entrée
nounfrom French entrée "act or manner of entering"
