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Definitions

a la carte

[ah luh kahrt, al-uh, a la kart] / ˌɑ lə ˈkɑrt, ˌæl ə, a la ˈkart /
ADJECTIVE
having menu items priced separately
Synonyms


ADVERB
having menu items priced separately
Synonyms


Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Experts say airlines started to really embrace the a la carte — or unbundled — pricing model when online travel-booking platforms came of age several years ago.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 10, 2026

In these fast-moving, unpredictable times, Europe's leaders are increasingly turning to a la carte coalitions, alongside traditional organisations like Nato or the EU, which are larger and therefore often slower to react.

From BBC • Feb. 16, 2026

Spotify began selling audiobooks on an a la carte basis to U.S. users in September 2022; the following year it made 15 hours of audiobook listening available to premium subscribers in select countries every month.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 5, 2026

From Jan. 1 to Jan. 22, customers can get $1 regular Nacho Fries with the purchase of any a la carte 5-piece or 10-piece nugget order.

From Salon • Dec. 18, 2024

"Will ze lady and ze gentleman haf table d'hote or a la carte?"

From Modern Eloquence: Vol II, After-Dinner Speeches E-O by Reed, Thomas B. (Thomas Brackett)