Main Course Definition, Examples & Usage

Meaning 1：principal dish (Main Course)

Main Course 🔊

/meɪn kɔːrs/

The most important dish in a meal, often the largest, like meat or fish.

Main course plate of grilled chicken with vegetables on dining table

principal dish 🔊

➕

/ˈprɪnsəpəl dɪʃ/

The largest and most important dish served during a meal, often containing protein and sides.

📁 Category：Diet & Health 🔖 Level：elementary

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

Main from Latin 'magnus' (great) + Course from Latin 'cursus' (run, path).

💡 Mnemonic

Think of a ship's main sail—the largest and most important—just like the main course on your plate.

📖 Example

At the restaurant, we chose the main course first because it was the highlight of our dinner. 🔊 At the restaurant, we chose the main course first because it was the highlight of our dinner.

🔗 Collocations

main course menu – a menu section listing the principal dishes

order the main course – to request the principal dish at a restaurant

main course options – the selection of principal dishes available

🔄 Synonyms

entree (n.) – In American English, the main dish of a meal, especially in a restaurant

primary dish (n.) – The most important dish served during a meal

main dish (n.) – Another term for the central or largest dish in a meal

🚫 Antonyms

appetizer (n.) – A small dish served before the main course

dessert (n.) – A sweet course served after the main course

side dish (n.) – A smaller dish served alongside the main course

📖 Cultural Story

The term 'main course' emerged in 19th-century French dining, where 'plat principal' denoted the central dish. English adopted it, evolving from multi-course meals.