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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.

“It’s disgusting,” said Janice Lintz, a veteran traveler who’s visited more than 170 countries, about the a la carte pricing model airlines have adopted.

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

Consultants are charging accordingly, with fees of more than $200 per hour for a la carte services or between $5,000 to $15,000 for someone to manage the entire application process.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 8, 2025

Customers purchase what they need a la carte — a combination of jacket hoses, nozzles, valves and adapters that, when assembled, vastly increases the water flow rate from a homeowner’s outdoor faucet.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 28, 2025

First of all, the child may be merely hungry, in which case you should at once ask the porter to bring you the a la carte menu.

From Perfect Behavior; a guide for ladies and gentlemen in all social crises by Stewart, Donald Ogden