main course

USAGE SUMMARY

"main course" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe the primary dish of a meal, usually the largest portion and most filling. For example, "The main course for the family dinner was roasted chicken."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The main course?

The New York Times

They're not the main course.

The New York Times

On to the main course.

Independent

It's the real main course.

The New York Times - Travel

The main course was rabbit.

The New Yorker

The main course sometimes?

The New York Times

In China it's the main course.

The Economist

This, though, was a disappointing main course.

The Guardian - Sport

Average main course: $8£5£5).

The Guardian - Travel

"Main course" is pääruoka; "bed" is sänkyä.

Independent

But there is no main course.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing menus, clearly distinguish the "main course" from appetizers and desserts to help customers make informed choices.

Common error

Be aware that while 'entrée' refers to the "main course" in American English, it often means 'appetizer' in other countries. Clarify the term's meaning to avoid confusion when addressing an international audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "main course" functions as a noun phrase, typically used to identify the most substantial and central dish in a multi-course meal. As seen in Ludwig examples, it's a standard culinary term.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Wiki

20%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

4%

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "main course" is a common and grammatically correct term used to describe the primary dish of a meal. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread use across various contexts, from news articles to everyday conversations. While "entrée" is sometimes used as a synonym, especially in the US, be aware of its alternative meaning in other regions. Remember to clearly distinguish the "main course" on menus and in descriptions. Alternatives like "principal dish" or "chief dish" can add variety to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

principal dish

Replaces 'main' with 'principal', emphasizing the importance of the dish.

chief dish

Substitutes 'main' with 'chief', focusing on the dish's primary role.

primary dish

Uses 'primary' instead of 'main', highlighting the dish's central position.

entrée

A synonym often used, especially in American English, though it can sometimes refer to an appetizer in other contexts.

centerpiece of the meal

Highlights the dish as the focal point of the dining experience.

heart of the meal

Emphasizes the satisfying and essential nature of the dish.

substantial course

Focuses on the filling and significant aspect of the dish.

featured dish

Highlights the dish as being specially presented or emphasized.

plat du jour

A French term indicating a special dish offered on a particular day.

dish of the day

Simplifies 'plat du jour' into common English.

FAQs

How do I use "main course" in a sentence?

Use "main course" to refer to the primary dish of a meal, such as "The "main course" at the wedding was a delicious prime rib."

What's another way to say "main course"?

You can use alternatives like "principal dish", "chief dish", or "primary dish" to describe the main part of a meal.

Is "entrée" the same as "main course"?

In American English, "entrée" is often used as a synonym for "main course". However, in some other countries, "entrée" refers to the appetizer or starter. Therefore, be mindful of your audience when using the term.

What typically comes before the "main course"?

Appetizers or starters usually precede the "main course", preparing the palate for the heart of the meal.