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

Word History

Etymology

French, by the bill of fare

First Known Use

1816, in the meaning defined above

Kids 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"