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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.
Synonyms
Examples of entrée in a Sentence
Gege Reed, The Courier-Journal, 6 Nov. 2024
Choose from a select menu of entrees, including a 6-ounce sirloin steak, country fried chicken, pulled pork served with two sides and a soft drink, tea or coffee.
—Susan Selasky, Detroit Free Press, 5 Nov. 2024
The menu features numerous unique items, with more appetizers than entrees, and about 17 different beers.
—Gary Stoller, Forbes, 24 Oct. 2024
The appetizer list has classic Italian salads and dressed up seasonal vegetables, while entrees include items such as handmade pastas and red wine-marinated chuck short ribs.
—Meira Gebel, Axios, 29 Oct. 2024
Besides a vegetarian risotto, the entrees are burgers and sandwiches, including Colorado lamb sliders and a banh mi turkey burger.
—Gary Stoller, Forbes, 24 Oct. 2024
Qdoba introduced its birria two years ago, replacing its previous brisket entree permanently and charging customers extra for the new protein option.
—Amelia Lucas, CNBC, 25 Sep. 2024
As the entree of classic New York fare was served, the action led by Lydia Fenet had the crowd laughing, standing, and bidding on art and one-of-a-kind experiences designed by the many fashion houses under Kering’s umbrella.
—Arden Fanning Andrews, Vogue, 10 Sep. 2024
There's also a large selection of appetizers, sandwiches, burgers, salads, pizza and other entrees.
—Jessica Rodriguez, Journal Sentinel, 8 Oct. 2024
Dictionary Entries Near entrée
Cite this Entry
“Entrée.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/entr%C3%A9e. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.
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entrée
nounfrom French entrée "act or manner of entering"
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