entree
UK[ˈɒntreɪ]US[ˈɑːntreɪ]
n
The main course of a meal.
n
The act or manner of entering; entrance.
n
A dish served before the main course of a meal (chiefly North American usage).
Morpheme Breakdown
entre
e
entre
enter
e
noun suffix
Etymology
The word 'entree' entered English directly from French in the 18th century, retaining its French spelling. Its core meaning, "the act of entering," derives from the Latin 'intrare', a verb formed from the preposition 'intra' (within). In the context of formal, multi-course meals, the term was originally applied to a dish served between the lighter courses and the main roast—it was the point of entry into the heart of the meal. Over time, especially in North America where elaborate service styles simplified, the term's meaning shifted to denote the main course itself, representing the primary entry into the dining experience.
Analysis
Structure: entre (enter) + e (noun suffix)
'entre' is from the French verb 'entrer', meaning 'to enter', of Latin origin (intrare). The final 'e' is a common French noun suffix.
Examples
For my entree, I ordered the grilled salmon with asparagus.
The actor made a dramatic entree onto the stage.
The restaurant offers a soup or salad before the entree.