Definition

1. Noun:
   • The act of entering: The moment or manner of coming into a place, especially in a formal or noticeable way.
   • The right or permission to enter: The privilege of access or admission to a place, group, or event.
   • The main course of a meal: In American and some international English, the principal dish of a meal, typically following the appetizer.

Examples of Usage

• The act of entering:
  • Her dramatic entree into the room silenced the crowd.
  • The actor's entree onto the stage was met with applause.
• The right to enter:
  • A backstage pass granted him entree to the exclusive event.
  • His wealth provided him with entree into high society.
• The main course:
  • For my entree, I ordered the grilled salmon with vegetables.
  • The restaurant offers several vegetarian entrees.

Advanced Usage

• "To make one's entree": To enter, especially in a formal or debut context.
  • The young diplomat made her entree into international politics.
• Social Entree: Used metaphorically to describe access to social circles or opportunities.
  • A good education can be an entree to a better career.

Variants and Related Words

• Entry (n): The act of entering; a place for entering. (Note: "Entry" is more common than "entree" for the concepts of "entrance" or "right to enter.")
• Entrance (n): An opening that allows access; the act of coming in.

Synonyms

• Admission (for the right to enter): The process or permission of entering.
• Access (for the right to enter): The means or opportunity to approach or enter.
• Main course (for the dish): The primary dish of a meal.

Related Phrases

• Gain entree: To obtain access or admission.
  • He used his connections to gain entree to the club.
• Provide entree: To give someone access.
  • Her fluency in French provided entree to the Parisian literary scene.

Notes on Meaning

This word has three distinct meanings. The meaning related to entering or right to enter is pronounced /ˈɑːn.treɪ/ and is spelled the same as the French word for "entry." The meaning for the main dish is pronounced /ˈɑːn.treɪ/ in American English but can also be /ˈɒn.treɪ/ in other varieties. The culinary meaning is the most common in everyday American English. The spelling "entrée" is also frequently used, especially for the dish.

Noun

1. the act of entering
   • she made a graceful entree into the ballroom
2. something that provides access (to get in or get out)
   • they waited at the entrance to the garden
   • beggars waited just outside the entryway to the cathedral
3. the right to enter
4. the principal dish of a meal