entrée

/ɑ̃tʁe/
nounIntermediate💡 main course
formal

The main course of a meal, especially in a formal or multi-course setting.

Nous avons commencé par une soupe et terminé par une entrée de poisson grillé.

We started with soup and finished with a grilled fish main course.

💡

In French cuisine, 'entrée' refers to the main dish, unlike in English where it can mean an appetizer.

informal

An appetizer or starter in some English-speaking contexts, though this usage is less common in French.

L'entrée était une salade fraîche avec des noix et du fromage de chèvre.

The appetizer was a fresh salad with nuts and goat cheese.

💡

This meaning is more common in English but can be understood in French with context.

Related Phrases

faire son entréephrase
to make an entrance
entrée en vigueurphrase
coming into effect

💡Pro Tip

Culinary Context

Remember that in French, 'entrée' refers to the main dish, not an appetizer.

Gold Rule

Translation Nuance

When translating to English, clarify whether 'entrée' means the main course or an appetizer based on context.

📖Word Origin

From Old French 'entrée', meaning 'entry' or 'entrance', derived from the verb 'entrer' (to enter). The culinary sense evolved to refer to the main dish of a meal.

📝Usage Notes

In French, 'entrée' always refers to the main course, whereas in English, it can sometimes mean an appetizer. Be mindful of this difference when translating.

Word Breakdown

entrée
entry or entrance
root
Dictionnaire Français-Anglais