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Entrée Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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entrée

[ˈɑːntreɪ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

food

An entrance, especially the main entrance of a building.

Synonyms

doorway, entrance, gateway, portal.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
entrance

'Entrance' is used for both the action of entering and the place where one enters. It can refer to buildings, events, or performances.

  • They made a grand entrance at the wedding.
  • The entrance to the museum was crowded.
doorway

Use 'doorway' to refer to the physical space that you walk through to enter a room or building.

  • She stood in the doorway, waiting for someone to notice her.
  • He paused in the doorway, contemplating whether to go inside.
gateway

'Gateway' often signifies a large or main entrance, and can also metaphorically refer to a means of access to something larger or more important.

  • The old castle had a massive stone gateway.
  • Education can be a gateway to a better future.
portal

'Portal' has a somewhat formal or literary connotation and is used to describe large, impressive doorways or metaphorical entry points, often in the context of technology or fantasy.

  • They stepped through the ancient portal into a different world.
  • The website serves as a portal to all our services.

Examples of usage

  • Please use the side entrance, not the main one.
  • The grand entrance of the palace was adorned with marble columns.
Context #2 | Noun

restaurant

A dish served before the main course.

Synonyms

appetizer, first course, starter.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
entrée

In British English, it can also mean a small dish served before the main course, similar to 'starter' or 'appetizer'.

  • The chef prepared a light entrée of seafood salad.
  • For the entrée, we were served a delicate soup.
appetizer

Used to describe a small dish served before the main course to stimulate the appetite.

  • We ordered some bruschetta as an appetizer.
  • The appetizers were so good that everyone had seconds.
starter

Commonly used in British English to refer to a small dish served before the main course.

  • I decided to have the prawn cocktail as my starter.
  • The starters on the menu looked very appetizing.
first course

Used to describe the first part of a multi-course meal, typically light and intended to prepare the palate for the upcoming dishes.

  • The first course was a fresh garden salad.
  • As the first course, we were served a delicious tomato soup.

Examples of usage

  • The chef's speciality is the lobster entrée.
  • I ordered the vegetarian entrée for dinner.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Culinary Traditions

  • In fine dining, chefs often prepare entrées with multiple components to showcase their skills.
  • In some cultures, the entrée is served as the final course of a meal rather than the main one.
  • Vegetarian and vegan entrées have become popular, reflecting changing dietary preferences.

Cultural Significance

  • In French customs, the entrée was a small dish before the main course.
  • For many, dining out a restaurant means looking forward to the entrée, which often dictates the choice of the overall experience.
  • Special occasions often feature elaborate entrées, symbolizing celebration and hospitality.

Pop Culture

  • Entrées are often highlighted in cooking shows as chefs compete to create the most savory dishes.
  • Social media has popularized homemade entrées, with influencers sharing recipes and plating ideas.
  • The word 'entrée' is sometimes used in movies and books to depict important scenes involving food.

Health and Nutrition

  • Entrées can be balanced with protein, vegetables, and grains, providing essential nutrients.
  • In health-conscious dining, entrées are increasingly featuring organic, local ingredients.
  • Some studies suggest that portion sizes of entrées impact overall meal satisfaction and dietary habits.

Origin of 'entrée'

Main points about word origin

  • Originally from the French word for 'entry,' referring to the way it leads into the meal.
  • The term has been used in English since the mid-19th century, showing its culinary roots.
  • In modern dining, it distinguishes between lighter starters and main courses.

The word 'entrée' originated from French, where it means 'entrance' or 'beginning'. In the context of food, the term was first used in the 18th century to refer to a dish served before the main course. Over time, it has become a common term in English-speaking countries to describe a starter or appetizer.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #30,535 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.