main course

noun

1. Nautical. a square mainsail.
2. the principal dish or course of a meal, typically including meat or fish.

main course

noun

1. the principal dish of a meal
2. nautical a square mainsail

Word History and Origins

Origin of main course¹

First recorded in 1505–15

Example Sentences

In my group, sandwiched between my classmates' appetizer and dessert courses, I presented a lamb chop dish with blackberry gastrique and a toasted pistachio gremolata — obviously inspired by Izard's season four finale main course.

From Salon

While the ONS says the figures are estimates, it suggests the cost of a fish supper has gone up more in percentage terms than that for pizza, or an Indian or Chinese main course.

From BBC

White House executive chef Cris Comerford says the main course is a “best of both worlds” combination of smoked short ribs and lobster.

From Seattle Times

But to his critics, Mr. Modi’s talk of a “main course” is an alarm bell for the future of the world’s largest democracy.

From New York Times

Yes, I can have steak frites and pizza and whatever, but if I have an apple first, I will only be eating a portion of my main course.

From Salon