à la carte
adverb or adjective
ˌä-lə-ˈkärt 
ˌa-lə-
variants
or less commonly a la carte
: according to a menu or list that prices items separately
Examples of à la carte in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
At Damian, the menu is a la carte, but the restaurant continues the theme of sourcing the best components for each dish, while also looking across the Pacific to Japan for inspiration.
—
Pat Saperstein,
Variety,
26 Feb. 2023
The dining room’s a la carte menu features modern takes on both street food and classic dishes.
—
Amy Drew Thompson,
Orlando Sentinel,
24 Feb. 2023
On the other side of the lounge, there’s another restaurant upstairs with an a la carte menu featuring things like omelets, steak, pasta dishes, and vegetarian curries prepared to order.
—
Ramsey Qubein,
Condé Nast Traveler,
13 Feb. 2023
The dinner menu will be a la carte and will have suggestions for wine pairings.
—
Journal Sentinel,
17 Jan. 2023
See All Example Sentences for à la carte
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Pat Saperstein,
Variety,
26 Feb. 2023
The dining room’s a la carte menu features modern takes on both street food and classic dishes.
—
Amy Drew Thompson,
Orlando Sentinel,
24 Feb. 2023
On the other side of the lounge, there’s another restaurant upstairs with an a la carte menu featuring things like omelets, steak, pasta dishes, and vegetarian curries prepared to order.
—
Ramsey Qubein,
Condé Nast Traveler,
13 Feb. 2023
The dinner menu will be a la carte and will have suggestions for wine pairings.
—
Journal Sentinel,
17 Jan. 2023
See All Example Sentences for à la carte
Cite this Entry
“à la carte.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/%C3%A0%20la%20carte. Accessed 25 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
à la carte
adverb or adjective
variants
also a la carte
ˌal-ə-ˈkärt
ˌäl-
: with a separate price for each item on the menu or list
an à la carte dinner
Etymology
from French à la carte, literally "by the bill of fare"
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