entrees
entrees — noun
- entreessingular
- entreesesplural
1. In American restaurants, the largest and most filling part of a meal, usually a
In American restaurants, the largest and most filling part of a meal, usually a portion of meat, fish, or a plant-based protein served together with vegetables or a grain.
Nala chose the grilled salmon as her entree and added a side of roasted potatoes.
entree + of + [food type] for main dish
The restaurant offers six different entrees that change with the season.
At the family dinner, both the beef entree and the vegetarian option were popular.
Abigail shared her chicken entree with her brother because the portion was too large.
- main course
interchangeable with 'entree' in American usage
- main dish
slightly more general than 'entree'
文法句型
entree + of + [food type]
entree + served with + [side dish]
常見錯誤
2. A small plate of food served near the beginning of a formal meal, coming before
A small plate of food served near the beginning of a formal meal, coming before the main course — common in European dining traditions where several courses are served.
At the wedding banquet, the entree was a delicate mushroom soup in tiny cups.
entree as a light starter before main course
The chef prepared a light seafood entree to open the seven-course meal.
Cyrus enjoyed the entree of roasted vegetables before the roast lamb arrived.
In formal French dining, the entree is always followed by the main dish.
- starter
the more common term in everyday British English
- appetizer
American term; slightly smaller than a British starter
- first course
neutral term that works in both US and UK contexts
文法句型
entree + of + [food type]
用法筆記
This sense follows older European dining conventions. In a standard three-course meal (starter, main, dessert), the 'entree' corresponds to the starter course — not the main course.
常見錯誤
3. The right, permission, or ability to enter a place or to join a particular group
The right, permission, or ability to enter a place or to join a particular group, profession, or social circle.
A university degree can give you an entree into many professional careers.
entree into + [profession/field] for access
Rafael's years of experience provided an entree to the most exclusive art galleries.
Without an invitation, visitors have no entree to the private members' club.
Knowing the local language gave Yumi an entree into the community's social events.
文法句型
entree to + [place/group]
entree into + [profession/world]
用法筆記
This is an abstract, uncountable use of 'entree' — it describes a privilege or opportunity rather than a physical action. Frequently used with the prepositions 'to' or 'into'.
4. The action or moment of walking into or arriving at a room, building, or perform
The action or moment of walking into or arriving at a room, building, or performance space, especially when done in a noticeable or deliberate way.
The dancer's dramatic entree onto the stage drew loud applause from the crowd.
entree onto + [performance space] for act of entering
The queen's formal entree into the hall was announced by a trumpet fanfare.
Henrik made a quiet entree through the side door to avoid disturbing the class.
The actor's grand entree onto the red carpet stopped the photographers mid-shot.
- exit
the act of leaving
文法句型
[possessive] + entree + onto/into + [place]
用法筆記
This sense overlaps closely with the more common word 'entrance.' 'Entree' tends to sound more theatrical or formal, often describing an arrival that is staged or ceremonial.