Literal Meaning

A dish served as the main course of a meal

Actual Meaning

The main dish of a meal

Context

Used when ordering meals at a formal dining establishment.

Examples

• "She always prefers a rich entreé like bruschetta to start off her meal."
• "For our dinner party, I was thinking of serving a delicious entreé of mushroom soup before the main course."
• "At the restaurant, I couldn't decide whether to order a salad or a seafood entreé."

Tips

• Don't be afraid to ask questions if you're unsure what is being served; many people appreciate curiosity about food choices!
• In British English, 'entree' refers specifically to the first course rather than the main dish, which can be confusing if you're used to American English.
• It's often served in formal dining settings, so pay attention to the context when someone mentions 'entree' at an event or gathering.