Entrance vs Entry

When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.

Entrance

Top 1,000 (very common) B1 noun

Entry

Top 1,000 (very common) B1 noun

	Entrance	Entry
Pronunciation	🇬🇧 /["/ˈentrəns/"]/ 🇺🇸 /["/ˈentrəns/"]/	🇬🇧 /["/ˈentri/"]/ 🇺🇸 /["/ˈentri/"]/
Meaning	A way to get into a place.	A way in or a place to go inside.
Example	The entrance to the museum is located on the east side of the building.	The entry to the museum was free on Sundays.
Register	Neutral	Neutral
How common	Top 1,000 (very common)	Top 1,000 (very common)
CEFR level	B1	B1
Part of speech	noun	noun
Collocations	narrow, wide, main, use, mark, have, area, foyer, hall, at the entrance, by an/​the entrance, in the entrance, big, dramatic, grand, make, gain, entrance into, gain, deny somebody, charge, fee, ticket, big, dramatic, grand, make, gain, entrance into	forced, forcible, unauthorized, force, gain, bar, point, code, entry into, entry to, a/​the point of entry, free, college, school, apply for, gain, allow somebody, criteria, qualifications, requirements, entry into, entry to, right of entry, winning, late, mail, post, send, coupon, form, fee, entry for, entry in, entry to, winning, late, mail, post, send, coupon, form, fee, entry for, entry in, entry to, diary, journal, dictionary, make, write, post, in an/​the entry, entry for, entry in, free, college, school, apply for, gain, allow somebody, criteria, qualifications, requirements, entry into, entry to, right of entry, way, hall, door, entry to
Antonyms	exit, departure	exit, departure
Common mistakes	Mixing up with 'entrance' as a verb meaning to charm someone., Using 'entrance' to refer to internal access, like inside a house., Confusing 'entrance' with 'entry' as if they mean the same in every context.	'Entry' confused with 'enter' which is a verb., 'Entry' used in place of 'entrance' when talking about a physical doorway., 'Entry' mistakenly used in plural form when referring to one access point.
Usage notes	Use 'entrance' in formal and neutral contexts when referring to entrances to buildings or rooms. In more informal settings, it's also common to refer to a 'doorway' or 'entry'. Avoid using it when talking about feelings or emotions, as 'entrance' can also mean to delight or charm someone, which is less common.	Use 'entry' when talking about going into a place, like a building or a competition. It’s neutral, so appropriate in most contexts but avoid in super casual discussions.

See it in real clips

Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. › S1 E1

We're at the north entrance, May.

Entrance

This is fast for atmospheric entry.

Entry team, set your charge.

This is fast for atmospheric entry.

Entry team, set your charge.

Entry

Frequently asked questions: Entrance vs Entry

What's the difference between Entrance and Entry?

Entrance: A way to get into a place. Entry: A way in or a place to go inside.

Are Entrance and Entry the same CEFR level?

Entrance: B1, Entry: B1 on the CEFR scale.

What part of speech are Entrance and Entry?

Entrance: noun, Entry: noun.

Can you show an example of each?

Entrance: The entrance to the museum is located on the east side of the building. Entry: The entry to the museum was free on Sundays.

Can I use Entrance and Entry interchangeably?

Not always. Entrance and Entry are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.