What does a la carte mean Meaning and Definition
What does a la carte mean
Pronunciation
/ə ˈlɑ: ˈkɑ:rt/
Part of Speech
phrase
Definition
A la carte is a French phrase meaning “according to the card” or “by the card”, referring to a menu or list of items that can be ordered individually, as opposed to a set meal or package.
Examples
- The restaurant offered an à la carte menu for special occasions.
- The flight attendant presented the à la carte snack menu.
Synonyms
- Menu-driven
- à la carte service
Etymology
The phrase “à la carte” originated from the French restaurant culture, where it was used to describe a menu system where dishes were served a la carte, meaning each dish was served separately and not as part of a set meal.
Usage Notes
The phrase “à la carte” is commonly used in restaurants, aviation, and hospitality industries, where customers can choose from a selection of menu items or services.
Cultural References
The phrase “à la carte” has appeared in various cultural contexts, including films, literature, and music, to convey the idea of customization or individualized choices.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
- “Pick and choose à la carte”
Related Words or Phrases
- Buffet
- Smorgasbord
Collocations
- À la carte menu
- Customized à la carte
Frequency of Use
The phrase “à la carte” is moderately common in modern language, particularly in the hospitality and food service industries.
Common Misspellings
- A la cart
- Alcarte