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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
Benjy Egel, Sacramento Bee, 14 Mar. 2025
Guests can enjoy a culinary journey featuring innovative entrees and beautifully crafted desserts, each designed to deliver a world-class dining experience.
—Noel Burgess, Forbes, 10 Mar. 2025
Order the prime beef entree and grill your own meat with bok choy, purple yams, gochujang aioli, ginger tamari and pickled cucumbers.
—Connie Ogle, Miami Herald, 27 Feb. 2025
Root is known for its hearty entrees like meatballs and grits and prime steaks.
—Caroline Eubanks, Travel + Leisure, 24 Feb. 2025
These entrees come with a generous amount of sides.
—Nick Halter, Axios, 21 Feb. 2025
Back to the menu: Upscale entrees will also be offered.
—Melissa Oyler, Charlotte Observer, 6 Mar. 2025
People will be able to grab their fresh extruded and filled pasta to go, along with lasagna and other entrees like meatballs.
—Laura Barrero, Axios, 28 Feb. 2025
Instead, the menu will diversify into small plates, tapas, tacos and other entrees, Allen says.
—Michael Deeds, Idaho Statesman, 25 Feb. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Entrée.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/entr%C3%A9e. Accessed 22 Mar. 2025.
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entrée
nounfrom French entrée "act or manner of entering"
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