At the A1 level, 'entry' is a word you might see on signs or in very simple instructions. The most common use you will see is 'No Entry.' This is a sign that tells you that you cannot go into a certain place, like a street or a room. You might also hear it in the classroom when a teacher says, 'Write an entry in your notebook.' In this case, it just means a short piece of writing. At this level, you don't need to worry about all the different meanings. Just remember that it usually means going into a place or writing something down in a list. It is a noun, so you use it like 'the entry' or 'an entry.' If you go to a museum, you might see 'Entry: $5,' which means the price to go inside. This is very simple and useful for everyday life. You will see it at airports, in parks, and on websites. It is one of the first 'official' words you will learn that helps you navigate the world in English.
At the A2 level, you start to use 'entry' in more specific ways. You might talk about a 'diary entry' or a 'journal entry.' This is a common way to describe what you write about your day. You also learn about 'entry fees' for things like sports competitions or clubs. You might say, 'I paid the entry fee for the race.' Another common use at this level is 'data entry.' If you are looking for a simple job, you might see an advertisement for a 'data entry clerk.' This means a person who types information into a computer. You are also more likely to see 'entry' used with prepositions, like 'entry to the building' or 'entry into the park.' You should start to notice that 'entry' is different from 'enter.' 'Enter' is the action (verb), and 'entry' is the thing or the act (noun). For example: 'You enter the room' (verb) vs. 'The entry was easy' (noun).
At the B1 level, 'entry' becomes a more flexible word in your vocabulary. You use it to describe submissions for competitions, such as 'an entry for a photo contest.' You also begin to understand more abstract uses, like 'entry-level jobs.' This describes a job for someone who is just starting their career and doesn't have much experience yet. You will encounter 'entry' in more formal contexts, such as 'entry requirements' for a university or a visa. For example, 'What are the entry requirements for the UK?' This means the rules you must follow to be allowed to go there. You also use it more frequently when talking about computers and databases, where an 'entry' is a single record. You should be comfortable using the plural 'entries' and understanding that it can refer to many different things, from lines in a spreadsheet to people joining a race. You are also learning common phrases like 'gain entry' or 'force entry.'
At the B2 level, you are expected to use 'entry' with more precision and in more professional contexts. You might discuss 'market entry strategies' in a business class, referring to how a company starts selling in a new area. You understand the nuance between 'entry' and 'entrance,' using 'entrance' for the physical door and 'entry' for the act of entering or the permission. You might use 'entry' in academic writing to refer to 'dictionary entries' or 'encyclopedia entries' when citing sources. You are also familiar with more complex collocations like 'unauthorized entry' or 'point of entry.' In your writing, you can use 'entry' to describe a person's arrival in a dramatic or formal way, such as 'Her entry into the room was perfectly timed.' You also understand that 'entry' can be used as a modifier in many compound nouns, and you can distinguish between its countable and uncountable uses depending on the context.
At the C1 level, you use 'entry' in sophisticated and varied ways. You might use it in legal or technical discussions, such as 'the right of entry' onto a property or 'the entry point' of a software program. You are aware of its less common synonyms like 'ingress' and can choose the most appropriate word for the register you are using. You can discuss the 'lexicographical entry' of a word, analyzing how it is structured in a dictionary. In business, you might analyze the 'barriers to entry' in a specific industry, which are the things that make it difficult for new companies to start. Your use of the word is natural and idiomatic. You can use it metaphorically, such as 'his entry into the world of high finance,' and you understand the subtle differences in meaning when it is used in different fields like accounting (double-entry), computing (data entry), and law (forcible entry).
At the C2 level, you have a complete mastery of 'entry' and all its nuances. You can use it in highly specialized contexts with ease. You might discuss the 'entry' of a celestial body into the atmosphere in a scientific context or the 'entry' of a specific motif in a musical composition. You understand the historical etymology of the word and how its meanings have evolved over time. You can use 'entry' in complex rhetorical structures and appreciate its use in literature to signify major life transitions or shifts in status. You are capable of identifying and correcting even the most subtle misuses of the word by others. Whether you are writing a legal brief, a technical manual, or a piece of creative fiction, you use 'entry' and its related forms with perfect accuracy and stylistic flair. You also understand how 'entry' functions in various English dialects and specialized jargons across the globe.

entry in 30 Seconds

  • Entry means going into a place or the permission to do so, like using a door or paying a fee.
  • It also refers to a single piece of information in a list, diary, dictionary, or database record.
  • In competitions, an entry is the work or form you submit to be judged by the organizers.
  • Commonly used in phrases like 'data entry,' 'entry-level,' 'no entry,' and 'entry requirements' for visas.

The word entry is a versatile noun that primarily describes the act of coming into a place, the right to do so, or a specific item of information recorded in a collection. At its core, it signifies a transition from 'outside' to 'inside,' whether that transition is physical, digital, or conceptual. In daily life, you encounter this word when looking for a door, filling out a form, or participating in a contest. It is a fundamental building block of English vocabulary because it bridges the gap between physical movement and data management.

Physical Access
This refers to the point of entrance or the act of going into a building or room. For example, a 'forced entry' suggests someone broke in.

The security guard checked my ID before allowing entry into the private facility.

Data and Records
In computing and accounting, an entry is a single piece of data or a record in a list, ledger, or database. Each line in your diary is an entry.

Furthermore, 'entry' is used in professional contexts like 'entry-level jobs,' which are positions designed for people with little experience. It also appears in complex legal terms like 'right of entry,' which defines who can legally step onto a property. Understanding 'entry' requires recognizing whether the context is about movement, information, or participation. In a dictionary, the word 'entry' itself is an entry! This self-referential nature highlights how deeply embedded the word is in how we organize knowledge and space. Whether you are talking about a 'data entry' clerk or a 'no entry' sign on a one-way street, the word always implies a boundary being crossed or a record being established. It is a noun that carries the weight of both action and documentation, making it indispensable for B1 learners and beyond.

I spent the whole afternoon making a new entry in my travel journal about the mountains.

Competition Submission
An item, such as a drawing or an essay, that is submitted for a contest. 'The judges are currently reviewing every entry.'

The hackers gained unauthorized entry to the company's main server last night.

There is no entry fee for children under the age of five at the local museum.

Please double-check each entry in the spreadsheet for typos before submitting the report.

Using 'entry' correctly depends on identifying which of its three main categories you are addressing: physical movement, recorded information, or competition items. When discussing physical movement, 'entry' often follows verbs like 'gain,' 'allow,' or 'refuse.' For example, 'The bouncer refused him entry because he didn't have a ticket.' Here, 'entry' functions as the permission or the act of going inside. It is often paired with the preposition 'to' or 'into.' You might say 'entry into the building' or 'entry to the club.' In a more formal or technical sense, you might hear about 'point of entry,' which refers to the specific location where someone enters, such as a window or a door.

Verb Pairings
Common verbs include: make an entry, gain entry, deny entry, submit an entry, and facilitate entry.

You must make an entry in the logbook every time you use the laboratory equipment.

When 'entry' refers to information, it is frequently used with the verb 'make' or 'delete.' You 'make an entry' in a diary or 'delete an entry' from a database. In this context, 'entry' is a countable noun. You can have one entry or many entries. It is also common to see it used as an adjective in 'entry-level,' which describes a starting position in a career path. For instance, 'She started as an entry-level analyst.' This usage implies that the role is the 'point of entry' into the professional world. In competitions, you 'submit your entry.' The entry itself could be a physical object like a painting or a digital file like a video. If you win, people might say, 'Your entry was the best we have seen all year.'

Prepositional Use
Use 'entry into' for movements and 'entry in' for records. Example: 'Entry into the hall' vs 'Entry in the book.'

The competition rules state that only one entry per person is allowed.

His entry into politics was unexpected by his family and friends.

The dictionary entry for 'serendipity' is surprisingly long and detailed.

The side door provides a secondary entry for staff members only.

We need to improve the data entry process to avoid these frequent errors.

You will hear 'entry' in a variety of real-world settings, ranging from mundane daily errands to high-stakes professional environments. In an airport or at a border crossing, customs officers will talk about 'entry requirements' or 'entry visas.' This refers to the legal documentation needed to enter a country. If you are watching the news, you might hear about 'unauthorized entry' into a government building or a 'forced entry' during a burglary. These terms are standard in legal and journalistic reporting. In the world of business and finance, 'market entry' is a common phrase. It describes a company's strategy for starting to sell products in a new country or industry. For example, 'Apple's entry into the smartphone market changed the industry forever.'

Workplace Context
'Data entry' is a very common job title. It involves typing information into computer systems. You might also hear about 'entry-level' roles during job interviews.

The company is planning its entry into the European market next quarter.

In academic and literary circles, 'entry' refers to the individual items in a reference work. A 'dictionary entry' or an 'encyclopedia entry' is the specific text explaining a word or topic. If you are a student, your teacher might ask you to 'write a journal entry' reflecting on a book you read. In the arts, 'entry' is used for submissions to film festivals, art shows, and writing contests. 'The festival received over 2,000 entries from 50 different countries.' Even in sports, you might hear about the 'entry list' for a tennis tournament or a race, which is the official list of participants who have signed up to compete. Finally, in everyday navigation, you will see 'No Entry' signs on roads and doors, which is perhaps the most frequent visual encounter with the word.

Digital Life
In programming, 'entry point' refers to the first line of code that is executed when a program starts.

Check the 'No Entry' sign before you turn into that street; it's a one-way road.

The blog entry went viral, receiving thousands of comments in just a few hours.

The password you provided for entry to the secure site is incorrect.

The latest entry in the series is much more action-packed than the previous ones.

She was nervous about her entry into the ballroom for her debutante dance.

One of the most frequent mistakes learners make is confusing 'entry' with 'entrance.' While they are related, they are not always interchangeable. An 'entrance' is usually the physical structure—the door, the gate, or the opening. 'Entry' is the act of going through that entrance or the permission to do so. For example, you stand at the *entrance* to wait for a friend, but you pay an *entry* fee to get inside. If you say 'the entry was beautiful,' people might understand you mean the doorway, but 'the entrance was beautiful' is more natural for physical descriptions. Another common error involves the phrase 'data entry.' Some students say 'data entering,' but 'data entry' is the fixed compound noun for the task of inputting information.

Entry vs. Entrance
Entrance = The physical door. Entry = The act of entering or the record of it.

Correct: The entry fee is $5. Incorrect: The entrance fee is $5 (though common, entry is more precise).

Another mistake is using the wrong preposition. Learners often say 'entry at the book' instead of 'entry in the book.' Remember: you make an entry *in* a diary, ledger, or database. However, you gain entry *to* or *into* a building. Confusing these can make your English sound slightly 'off.' Furthermore, 'entry' is sometimes confused with 'admission.' While 'admission' also means being allowed to enter, it is more often used for institutions like universities or hospitals ('admission to Harvard'). 'Entry' is more general and can apply to any space or record. Lastly, avoid using 'entry' as a verb. While you can 'enter' a room, you cannot 'entry' a room. 'Entry' is strictly a noun, although it can act as an adjective in compound phrases like 'entry-level.'

Countability Errors
Don't forget that 'entries' is the plural. 'I have three entry in my diary' is wrong; it must be 'three entries.'

I need to correct an entry I made in the ledger yesterday; the numbers are wrong.

The entry into the market was difficult due to high competition and low demand.

He was denied entry to the country because his passport had expired.

The dictionary entry provides the phonetic spelling of the word.

Winning the entry for the poster contest was a huge honor for the young artist.

Depending on what you mean, several words can replace 'entry.' If you are talking about the physical act of coming in, **'access'** or **'admission'** are strong alternatives. 'Access' often implies the ability or right to enter ('access to the building'), while 'admission' is frequently used for events or institutions ('admission to the theater'). If you are referring to a piece of information in a list, you might use **'item,'** **'record,'** or **'listing.'** For example, 'each item in the catalog' or 'each record in the database.' In the context of a competition, **'submission'** or **'candidate'** could work. 'Submission' is very common in professional and academic settings ('your submission for the journal').

Entry vs. Access
'Entry' is the act or the point; 'Access' is the permission or the possibility of reaching it.

The entry was blocked by a fallen tree. (Alternative: The entrance was blocked.)

In more formal or legal writing, you might see **'ingress'** used instead of 'entry.' Ingress is the opposite of egress (exit) and is used almost exclusively in legal documents regarding property rights. If you are talking about a starting point in a career, **'threshold'** is a more poetic or metaphorical alternative ('on the threshold of a new career'). For dictionary or encyclopedia items, **'headword'** is a technical term for the word that starts the entry. When choosing an alternative, consider the 'flavor' of the word. 'Entry' is neutral and very common. 'Admission' sounds more official. 'Record' sounds more technical. 'Access' sounds more about rights and permissions. Understanding these nuances helps you sound more like a native speaker.

Entry vs. Record
An 'entry' is usually a single line or item; a 'record' can be a more comprehensive collection of data about one subject.

The entry in the encyclopedia was written by a famous historian.

We have received your entry for the short story competition; good luck!

The front entry of the house was decorated with beautiful flowers.

The data entry clerk worked quickly to finish the project before the deadline.

His entry into the room caused everyone to stop talking and look up.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

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Neutral

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Informal

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Child friendly

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Slang

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Fun Fact

The word 'entry' has been used in English since the 14th century. It originally referred to the legal right to take possession of lands.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ˈen.tri/
US /ˈen.tri/
The stress is on the first syllable: EN-try.
Rhymes With
gentry sentry elementary (partial) documentary (partial) complimentary (partial) supplementary (partial) century (near rhyme) country (near rhyme)
Common Errors
  • Pronouncing it like 'entirely' (en-tire-ly).
  • Adding an extra syllable like 'en-te-ry'.
  • Confusing the 'e' sound with 'a' (an-try).
  • Making the 'y' sound too long like 'en-treeeee'.
  • Swallowing the 'n' sound.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Easy to recognize in context due to common signs and simple structure.

Writing 3/5

Requires care with spelling (the 'y' to 'ies' plural) and prepositions.

Speaking 2/5

Simple pronunciation, though 'entry' vs 'entrance' can be tricky.

Listening 2/5

Distinct sound, usually clear in both UK and US accents.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

enter door write list go

Learn Next

entrance admission access requirement submission

Advanced

ingress lexicography ledger barrier canon

Grammar to Know

Pluralization of words ending in 'y'

One entry, two entries (change 'y' to 'i' and add 'es').

Noun as Adjective (Modifier)

In 'entry fee', the noun 'entry' describes the type of 'fee'.

Prepositional Phrases

Use 'to' or 'into' for movement: 'Entry into the hall'.

Zero Article in Signs

Signs often omit 'the' or 'a': 'No Entry' instead of 'No the entry'.

Gerund vs Noun

Use 'entering' for the continuous action, 'entry' for the concept/result.

Examples by Level

1

The sign says 'No Entry' on that door.

Le panneau indique 'Entrée interdite' sur cette porte.

Here 'entry' is a noun following 'no' to show prohibition.

2

Please write your name in this entry.

Veuillez écrire votre nom dans cette entrée.

'Entry' refers to a space on a list.

3

The entry is over there.

L'entrée est là-bas.

Used as a synonym for 'entrance' in simple speech.

4

How much is the entry?

Combien coûte l'entrée ?

Short for 'entry fee'.

5

I have one entry in my book.

J'ai une note dans mon livre.

Countable noun.

6

This is the main entry.

C'est l'entrée principale.

Modifying 'entry' with the adjective 'main'.

7

Wait at the entry.

Attendez à l'entrée.

Using 'at' as the preposition of place.

8

The entry was closed.

L'entrée était fermée.

Simple subject-verb-adjective structure.

1

I write a diary entry every night.

J'écris une page de journal chaque soir.

Compound noun: 'diary entry'.

2

The entry fee for the museum is five dollars.

Le prix d'entrée pour le musée est de cinq dollars.

'Entry fee' is a common collocation.

3

She got a job in data entry.

Elle a trouvé un emploi dans la saisie de données.

'Data entry' is an uncountable concept here.

4

There are fifty entries in the contest.

Il y a cinquante participations au concours.

Plural form 'entries'.

5

He gained entry to the club.

Il a pu entrer dans le club.

The verb 'gain' often goes with 'entry'.

6

Check the entry in the dictionary.

Vérifiez l'article dans le dictionnaire.

'Entry' as a record of information.

7

The back entry is for staff only.

L'entrée arrière est réservée au personnel.

Using 'back' as a descriptive adjective.

8

We need to make a new entry.

Nous devons faire une nouvelle saisie.

The verb 'make' is used for creating a record.

1

What are the entry requirements for this course?

Quelles sont les conditions d'admission pour ce cours ?

'Entry requirements' is a standard formal phrase.

2

The entry-level salary is quite low.

Le salaire de débutant est assez bas.

'Entry-level' acts as an adjective here.

3

They forced entry into the building.

Ils ont forcé l'entrée dans le bâtiment.

'Forced entry' is a common legal/crime term.

4

His entry into the race was a surprise.

Son inscription à la course a été une surprise.

Abstract use: joining a competition.

5

Please delete that entry from the database.

Veuillez supprimer cette entrée de la base de données.

Using 'from' to show where the entry is removed.

6

The entry was judged by a panel of experts.

La participation a été jugée par un panel d'experts.

Passive voice: 'was judged'.

7

You need a visa for entry into the country.

Vous avez besoin d'un visa pour entrer dans le pays.

'Entry into' is the standard prepositional phrase.

8

The dictionary entry for that word is very long.

L'article du dictionnaire pour ce mot est très long.

Specific use in linguistics/reference.

1

The company's entry into the market was successful.

L'entrée de l'entreprise sur le marché a été un succès.

Business context: starting to compete.

2

Unauthorized entry is strictly prohibited.

Toute entrée non autorisée est strictement interdite.

Formal/Legal warning language.

3

The entry of the virus into the cell is complex.

L'entrée du virus dans la cellule est complexe.

Scientific/Technical context.

4

She made a brief entry in her logbook.

Elle a fait une brève note dans son journal de bord.

Using 'brief' to describe the length of the record.

5

The point of entry was a small basement window.

Le point d'entrée était une petite fenêtre de sous-sol.

'Point of entry' is a fixed technical phrase.

6

The entries were of a very high standard this year.

Les participations étaient d'un niveau très élevé cette année.

Referring to the quality of submissions.

7

He was refused entry because he lacked the proper ID.

On lui a refusé l'entrée parce qu'il n'avait pas la pièce d'identité appropriée.

Passive construction: 'was refused entry'.

8

The ledger contains a suspicious entry from last July.

Le grand livre contient une écriture suspecte de juillet dernier.

Accounting context: 'entry' as a financial record.

1

The right of entry is a key part of the lease agreement.

Le droit d'accès est un élément clé du contrat de bail.

Legal terminology: 'right of entry'.

2

The dictionary entry fails to capture the word's nuance.

L'article du dictionnaire ne parvient pas à saisir la nuance du mot.

Critical analysis of a reference work.

3

Barriers to entry in the tech industry are increasing.

Les barrières à l'entrée dans l'industrie technologique augmentent.

Economic term: 'barriers to entry'.

4

The entry of the probe into the atmosphere was tense.

L'entrée de la sonde dans l'atmosphère a été tendue.

Aerospace context.

5

Every entry in the bibliography must be formatted correctly.

Chaque entrée de la bibliographie doit être formatée correctement.

Academic context: citations.

6

His dramatic entry into the hall silenced the crowd.

Son entrée spectaculaire dans la salle a fait taire la foule.

Describing social impact and movement.

7

The software's entry point is defined in the main file.

Le point d'entrée du logiciel est défini dans le fichier principal.

Programming terminology.

8

The port of entry was congested due to the strike.

Le port d'entrée était encombré à cause de la grève.

Logistics/Trade context.

1

The lexicographer spent years refining a single entry.

Le lexicographe a passé des années à affiner un seul article.

Highly specialized professional context.

2

The entry of women into the workforce changed society.

L'entrée des femmes dans la population active a changé la société.

Sociological/Historical analysis.

3

The double-entry system is the bedrock of modern accounting.

Le système de comptabilité en partie double est le fondement de la comptabilité moderne.

Fixed technical term: 'double-entry'.

4

The poem's entry into the canon was long overdue.

L'entrée du poème dans le canon était attendue depuis longtemps.

Literary/Metaphorical use.

5

The entry of the theme in the second movement is subtle.

L'entrée du thème dans le deuxième mouvement est subtile.

Musicology context.

6

The forcible entry of the premises was caught on camera.

L'entrée par effraction dans les lieux a été filmée.

Formal legal/police terminology.

7

The dictionary entry for 'entry' is itself quite complex.

L'article du dictionnaire pour 'entrée' est lui-même assez complexe.

Meta-linguistic observation.

8

The entry of the new evidence shifted the trial's focus.

L'introduction de la nouvelle preuve a déplacé l'attention du procès.

Legal procedural context.

Common Collocations

data entry
entry fee
entry-level
gain entry
no entry
diary entry
entry requirements
dictionary entry
forced entry
point of entry

Common Phrases

right of entry

— The legal right to go onto someone else's land or property.

The landlord has a right of entry for emergency repairs.

double-entry

— A system of bookkeeping where every transaction is recorded twice.

Most modern businesses use double-entry accounting.

port of entry

— A place where people and goods can legally enter a country.

New York was the primary port of entry for many immigrants.

entry permit

— An official document that allows someone to enter a specific area or country.

You must show your entry permit at the border.

re-entry

— The act of entering again, especially a spacecraft returning to Earth.

The capsule heated up during re-entry into the atmosphere.

entry visa

— A stamp in a passport allowing someone to enter a country.

I applied for an entry visa two months before my trip.

barrier to entry

— Something that makes it difficult for a new business to start in a market.

High startup costs are a major barrier to entry.

entry point

— The place or way that you start doing something or entering a system.

This internship is a great entry point into the fashion industry.

entry form

— A document you fill out to join a competition or event.

Please complete the entry form and mail it to us.

limited entry

— A situation where only a certain number of people are allowed in.

The concert has limited entry due to safety regulations.

Often Confused With

entry vs entrance

Entrance is the physical door; entry is the act or the record.

entry vs entering

Entering is a verb/gerund (action); entry is a noun (concept/item).

entry vs admission

Admission is often for institutions; entry is more general.

Idioms & Expressions

"gain entry to someone's heart"

— To make someone fall in love with you or trust you deeply.

He slowly gained entry to her heart with his kindness.

literary
"at the point of entry"

— At the very beginning of a process or physical arrival.

All goods are inspected at the point of entry.

formal
"make an entry"

— To arrive in a way that people notice.

She made quite an entry in her bright red dress.

neutral
"entry into the unknown"

— Starting something completely new and unpredictable.

Moving to a new country was his entry into the unknown.

poetic
"break and entry"

— The crime of breaking into a building with the intent to steal.

He was charged with break and entry.

legal
"easy entry"

— A situation that is very simple to start or join.

The low price ensures easy entry for new customers.

business
"late entry"

— Someone or something that joins a competition or list after it has started.

The dark horse was a late entry in the presidential race.

neutral
"winning entry"

— The specific submission that won a prize.

The winning entry will be announced tomorrow.

neutral
"entry of the gladiators"

— A famous march often played in circuses.

The band played 'Entry of the Gladiators' as the clowns appeared.

cultural
"multiple entry"

— Allowing someone to enter and leave several times (usually a visa).

I have a multiple entry visa for the Schengen area.

formal

Easily Confused

entry vs entrance

Both relate to going inside.

Entrance is the physical thing (door/gate). Entry is the act or the permission. You stand at the entrance, but you pay for entry.

The entrance was huge, but entry was denied.

entry vs input

Both are used in computing.

Input is the general process of putting data in. An entry is one specific piece of data that has been put in.

The system requires user input for each new entry.

entry vs access

Both mean being able to get in.

Access is the opportunity or right to use/enter. Entry is the actual act of going in.

I have access to the building, but I haven't made an entry today.

entry vs item

Both refer to things in a list.

Item is very general. Entry is specifically for things recorded in a book, dictionary, or database.

This entry is the third item on the list.

entry vs submission

Both refer to contest items.

Submission is the act of giving it. Entry is the item itself once it is in the contest.

Your submission was received; it is now entry number 42.

Sentence Patterns

A1

No entry.

No entry to the kitchen.

A2

The entry fee is [amount].

The entry fee is ten euros.

B1

Make an entry in [record].

Make an entry in your diary.

B1

Submit an entry for [contest].

Submit an entry for the art show.

B2

Gain entry to [place].

They gained entry to the vault.

B2

Entry-level [job/position].

He applied for an entry-level role.

C1

Entry into [market/industry].

The firm's entry into the Asian market.

C2

The entry of [concept] into [system].

The entry of new evidence into the trial.

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

Related

How to Use It

frequency

Very common in both spoken and written English.

Common Mistakes
  • I want to entry the room. I want to enter the room.

    'Entry' is a noun, not a verb. You must use the verb 'enter' for the action.

  • There are many entrys in the book. There are many entries in the book.

    The plural of 'entry' is 'entries'. You must change the 'y' to 'i' and add 'es'.

  • The entrance fee is expensive. The entry fee is expensive.

    While 'entrance fee' is sometimes used, 'entry fee' is the standard and more common term.

  • I made an entry at my diary. I made an entry in my diary.

    The correct preposition for records and books is 'in', not 'at'.

  • He gained entrance into the secret society. He gained entry into the secret society.

    For joining groups or abstract spaces, 'entry' is more appropriate than 'entrance'.

Tips

Plural Spelling

Always remember to change the 'y' to 'ies' for the plural form 'entries'. This is a common spelling mistake for learners.

Entry vs Entrance

Use 'entrance' for the door itself and 'entry' for the act of going through it. 'The entrance is red' vs 'Entry is free'.

Job Hunting

Look for 'entry-level' if you are a student or a recent graduate. These jobs are designed for people just starting out.

Common Verbs

Pair 'entry' with 'gain', 'make', 'deny', or 'refuse'. These are the most natural-sounding combinations in English.

In vs To

Use 'in' for books and lists ('entry in a diary') and 'to' or 'into' for places ('entry to the club').

Market Entry

In business, 'entry' is used to describe a company starting to sell in a new country. It's a very professional term.

Forced Entry

This is a specific term for breaking into a building. You will hear it in police shows and news reports.

Diary Entries

When writing a journal, each day's writing is called an 'entry'. It's a great way to practice your English daily.

No Entry

If you see this sign, stop! It is one of the most important signs to know for safety and following the law.

Reference Works

In an essay, you can refer to a 'dictionary entry' or 'encyclopedia entry' to show where you got your information.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'EN' (Enter) + 'TRY' (Try to get in). You 'try' to 'enter' through the 'entry'.

Visual Association

Imagine a large 'No Entry' sign on a red background. This visual is very strong and common.

Word Web

Door Visa Data Diary Contest Fee Level Requirement

Challenge

Write three sentences using 'entry' in three different ways: as a door, as data, and as a contest submission.

Word Origin

Derived from the Old French word 'entree', which comes from the verb 'entrer' (to enter).

Original meaning: The act of entering or a place of entrance.

Romance (via Latin 'intrare')

Cultural Context

Be careful with 'illegal entry' as it can be a politically sensitive term regarding immigration.

The term 'entry-level' is heavily used in US/UK job markets to describe starting positions.

The Diary of Anne Frank (famous for its diary entries). No Entry (a popular Bollywood film). Double-entry bookkeeping (invented by Luca Pacioli, vital to global trade).

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

At the Airport

  • Entry visa
  • Point of entry
  • Entry requirements
  • Denied entry

At the Office

  • Data entry
  • Entry-level job
  • New entry in the system
  • Password for entry

At a Contest

  • Submit your entry
  • Winning entry
  • Entry form
  • Last date for entry

In a Library

  • Dictionary entry
  • Encyclopedia entry
  • Bibliography entry
  • Catalogue entry

On the Road

  • No entry sign
  • One-way entry
  • Private entry
  • Vehicle entry

Conversation Starters

"Have you ever won a prize for an entry in a competition?"

"What was your first entry-level job like?"

"Do you keep a journal? How often do you make an entry?"

"What are the entry requirements for a visa to your country?"

"Have you ever seen a 'No Entry' sign and wondered what was behind the door?"

Journal Prompts

Write a diary entry about the most interesting person you met this week.

Describe the entry requirements for your dream job and how you will meet them.

Imagine you found a secret entry to a hidden world. What does it look like?

Discuss the pros and cons of working in a data entry position.

Write an entry for a travel blog about a place you visited recently.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

'Entry' is always a noun. The verb form is 'enter'. You cannot 'entry' a room, but you can 'make an entry' or 'gain entry'.

The plural is 'entries'. Remember to change the 'y' to 'i' before adding 'es'. For example, 'There are many entries in the database'.

Yes, 'entrance fee' is common and understood, but 'entry fee' is generally considered more correct and is more frequently used in formal contexts.

It refers to a job or product that is for beginners. An entry-level job requires little experience, and an entry-level camera is simple and cheaper for new photographers.

In the context of signs, yes. It is a command or a statement of fact meaning 'Entry is not allowed here'. It is very common on road signs.

It is the set of information for one word in a dictionary, including its spelling, pronunciation, meaning, and examples. Each word has its own entry.

It is the job or task of typing information into a computer database. It is a very common administrative task in many businesses.

'Ingress' is a very formal, legal term for entry. You will mostly see it in property law documents. In everyday English, always use 'entry'.

You 'submit an entry'. The entry is the work you did (like a poem or a photo) that you want the judges to look at.

It is a technical term in accounting. It means every financial change is recorded in two places to make sure the math is correct.

Test Yourself 200 questions

writing

Write a sentence using 'entry' to mean a door or entrance.

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writing

Write a sentence about a 'diary entry'.

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writing

Write a sentence about an 'entry fee'.

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writing

Write a sentence using 'gain entry'.

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writing

Write a sentence about an 'entry-level' job.

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writing

Write a sentence about 'data entry'.

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writing

Write a sentence about a 'contest entry'.

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writing

Write a sentence using 'no entry'.

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writing

Write a sentence about 'entry requirements'.

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writing

Write a sentence using 'forced entry'.

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writing

Write a sentence about a 'dictionary entry'.

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writing

Write a sentence using 'point of entry'.

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writing

Write a sentence about 'market entry'.

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writing

Write a sentence using 'multiple entry visa'.

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writing

Write a sentence about 'double-entry bookkeeping'.

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writing

Write a sentence about a 'winning entry'.

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writing

Write a sentence using 'refuse entry'.

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writing

Write a sentence about 're-entry'.

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writing

Write a sentence about an 'entry form'.

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writing

Write a sentence using 'dramatic entry'.

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speaking

Pronounce the word 'entry' clearly.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Explain what 'No Entry' means in your own words.

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speaking

Describe an 'entry fee' you recently paid.

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speaking

What is 'data entry'? Explain it to a friend.

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speaking

Talk about an 'entry-level' job you would like to have.

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speaking

Have you ever kept a diary? Talk about a typical 'entry'.

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speaking

Explain the 'entry requirements' for a university in your country.

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speaking

What would you do if you saw someone making a 'forced entry'?

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speaking

Discuss the 'barriers to entry' for starting a new business.

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speaking

Describe a 'dramatic entry' you have seen in a movie.

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speaking

Explain what a 'dictionary entry' consists of.

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speaking

Talk about the 'entry' of a new technology into our lives.

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speaking

What is a 'multiple entry visa' and why is it useful?

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speaking

Describe the 'point of entry' of your house.

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speaking

Explain 'double-entry bookkeeping' simply.

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speaking

Talk about a 'winning entry' you have seen in a contest.

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speaking

Why might someone be 'refused entry' to a country?

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speaking

Describe the 're-entry' of a spacecraft.

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speaking

What information goes on a contest 'entry form'?

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speaking

Discuss the importance of 'data entry' accuracy.

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listening

Listen to the sentence: 'The entry fee is five dollars.' How much is the fee?

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listening

Listen to the sentence: 'No entry is allowed after 10 PM.' When is entry stopped?

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listening

Listen to the sentence: 'She made a brief entry in her diary.' Was the entry long or short?

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listening

Listen to the sentence: 'He gained entry through the back window.' How did he get in?

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listening

Listen to the sentence: 'The winning entry was number 42.' Which number won?

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listening

Listen to the sentence: 'Entry requirements include a medical check.' What is required?

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listening

Listen to the sentence: 'The point of entry was the front door.' Where did they enter?

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listening

Listen to the sentence: 'Data entry can be very boring.' What is boring?

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listening

Listen to the sentence: 'They were refused entry at the border.' Where were they stopped?

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listening

Listen to the sentence: 'The dictionary entry was very detailed.' Was there a lot of info?

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listening

Listen to the sentence: 'Forced entry was reported by the neighbor.' Who reported it?

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listening

Listen to the sentence: 'The entry list is now closed.' Can you still join?

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listening

Listen to the sentence: 'The re-entry was successful.' Did the spacecraft return safely?

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listening

Listen to the sentence: 'Each entry in the ledger is dated.' How are the entries organized?

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listening

Listen to the sentence: 'Entry-level jobs are hard to find.' What is hard to find?

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