An entrée (French, literally meaning entry or entrance) is a smaller course that precedes the main course, except in North America, where it's the main course. Use In the United States and English Canada the entrée is a synonym for the main course. What is called an entrée elsewhere is called the first course, appetizer, or starter. In its use outside of North America, an entrée is more substantial than hors d'œuvres and better thought of as a half-sized versi… (More on Entree)