entrees nyt crossword – All Crossword Answers
Welcome! You're looking for the answer to the clue "entrees" from the NYT crossword. We've got the most likely solutions and helpful explanations to get you unstuck and back to solving.
Solutions for "entrees nyt crossword" by Letter Count
5 Letters
MAINS: Refers to the principal dishes of a meal, commonly known as entrees, especially in a restaurant setting. This is a very frequent answer for "entrees" in crosswords.
6 Letters
DISHES: A more general term for prepared food items, which can include entrees. Often used when the clue is looking for a broader category of food served.
7 Letters
COURSES: The different stages of a meal. Entrees typically serve as the main 'course' in many Western culinary traditions, making this a fitting, albeit slightly broader, answer.
More About "entrees nyt crossword"
"Entrees" is a classic crossword clue that often appears in the New York Times puzzles due to its versatile nature and multiple possible synonyms. While in American English, an entrée specifically denotes the main dish of a meal, its European French origin refers to a dish served before the main course. This duality can sometimes be played upon in more complex clues, but generally, NYT crosswords lean towards the American interpretation.
Puzzle constructors love clues like "entrees" because they allow for answers of different lengths (e.g., MAINS, DISHES, COURSES), providing flexibility in grid design. Understanding the common synonyms for culinary terms is a key strategy for tackling such clues. The NYT often features clues that test your vocabulary not just on obscure words, but also on common words with nuanced meanings or multiple interpretations.
When you encounter "entrees" in a puzzle, always consider the letter count first. Then, look at the intersecting letters you already have filled in. This combined approach will quickly narrow down the correct answer among the possible options like MAINS, DISHES, or COURSES, ensuring you keep your solving streak intact.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider Letter Count First: Always check the number of boxes available in the grid for clues like "entrees." This is the fastest way to eliminate answers that don't fit, such as "MAINS" (5 letters) versus "COURSES" (7 letters).
- Look at Intersecting Clues: The letters from solved crossing words are your best friends. They provide critical constraints that often pinpoint the exact answer from a list of possibilities for a given clue.
- Think About Context: While "entrees" is straightforward, some clues might hint at a specific era, region, or sub-genre (e.g., "French entrees"). Being aware of these subtle hints can guide you to the more precise answer.
- Brush Up on Common Categories: Crosswords frequently feature themes around food, animals, geography, and pop culture. Familiarizing yourself with common terms in these categories can significantly speed up your solving time.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is 'entrees' a common crossword clue?
'Entrees' is a frequent crossword clue because it has several synonyms (like 'mains', 'dishes', 'courses') that fit various letter counts, making it versatile for puzzle constructors. Its culinary context also makes it a relatable term for a wide audience, appearing regularly in publications like the NYT.
Are there different meanings of 'entree'?
Yes, in North America, 'entree' typically refers to the main course of a meal. However, in traditional French cuisine, and sometimes in British English, it refers to a dish served before the main course, similar to an appetizer. Crossword clues usually lean towards the North American meaning unless explicitly specified by the clue itself.
How do I know which 'entrees' answer is correct for my NYT puzzle?
To determine the correct answer for your specific puzzle, first look at the number of letters required in the grid. Then, check the intersecting words; the letters you've already filled in from other clues will usually leave only one possible option for 'entrees'. Sometimes, the specific phrasing of the clue or a theme might also guide you.