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

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"