entree
UK: ˈɒntreɪ | US: ˈɑːntreɪ
n. the main course of a meal
n. (historical) the right to enter or join a particular group or institution
n. (theater) an actor's entrance onto the stage
The word "entree" comes from the French "entrée," meaning "entry" or "entrance." It originally referred to the first course of a meal, which "entered" the dining experience. Over time, in English, it shifted to mean the main course. The theatrical sense ("entrance") and the institutional sense ("right to enter") also derive from the core idea of "entering." The French root "entre" traces back to Latin "intrare" (to enter), from "intra" (within).
The chef prepared a delicious entree of grilled salmon.
In the 18th century, guild membership was an entree to social prestige.
Her dramatic entree captivated the audience.
The restaurant offers a vegetarian entree as an alternative.
Diplomacy provided him an entree into political circles.