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

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

The dinner menu will be a la carte and will have suggestions for wine pairings. — Journal Sentinel, 17 Jan. 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 The Tusks are planning to add lunch service and an a la carte menu (right now there’s just the $360 tasting menu, with an optional $295 wine pairing). — Tori Latham, Robb Report, 10 Jan. 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 See All Example Sentences for à la carte

Word History

Etymology

French, by the bill of fare

First Known Use

1816, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of à la carte was in 1816

See more words from the same year

Browse Nearby Words

Alacaluf

à la carte

alachlor

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“à la carte.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/%C3%A0%20la%20carte. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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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"

à la carte

adverb or adjective

Examples of à la carte in a Sentence

Word History

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Kids Definition

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