carte: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2formal, technical, historical, literary
Quick answer
What does “carte” mean?
a piece of paper or card printed with information, especially a menu in a restaurant.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
a piece of paper or card printed with information, especially a menu in a restaurant.
1) A menu; 2) A list or record of dishes available; 3) (historical/technical) In fencing, the fourth position; 4) (obsolete) A map or chart; 5) (obsolete/card games) A playing card.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Minimal lexical difference. 'À la carte' is used identically in both dialects for restaurant ordering. 'Carte' as a standalone noun for 'menu' is archaic/uncommon in both, but slightly more likely to be recognized in formal British contexts (e.g., fine dining).
Connotations
In both dialects, 'à la carte' connotes a formal or expensive dining experience where items are priced individually. Standalone 'carte' can sound archaic, pretentious, or deliberately old-fashioned.
Frequency
'À la carte' is moderately common. Standalone 'carte' is very rare. Usage is consistent across dialects.
Grammar
How to Use “carte” in a Sentence
N + of + N (a carte of local cheeses)N + for + N (the carte for the evening)Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. In hospitality business plans: 'an à la carte revenue model'.
Academic
In historical or cultural studies of dining, theatre, or cartography.
Everyday
Almost exclusively in the phrase 'à la carte' when dining out.
Technical
In fencing: 'parry in carte'; in cartography (obsolete): 'nautical carte'.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “carte”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “carte”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “carte”
- Using 'carte' for a simple paper menu in a casual setting (sounds archaic).
- Confusing 'carte' with 'cart' or 'card'.
- Omitting the accent in 'à la carte' in formal writing.
- Using 'carte blanche' to mean a blank cheque (figurative use correct, literal incorrect).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Historically, yes, and it retains this meaning in the phrase 'à la carte'. As a standalone noun, it is now archaic. 'Menu' is the standard modern term.
'À la carte' means each dish is ordered and priced separately. 'Prix fixe' (or 'table d'hôte') means a fixed price for a complete multi-course meal with limited or no choice.
It's a French loan phrase meaning 'blank card' or 'blank cheque'. Figuratively, it means complete freedom to act as one wishes or with unrestricted authority.
In historical or very technical contexts (e.g., old nautical texts), 'carte' can refer to a map or chart. This usage is obsolete in modern English, where 'map' or 'chart' is used.
a piece of paper or card printed with information, especially a menu in a restaurant.
Carte is usually formal, technical, historical, literary in register.
Carte: in British English it is pronounced /kɑːt/, and in American English it is pronounced /kɑːrt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “à la carte”
- “carte blanche”
- “carte du jour”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'cart' + 'e' as a fancy cart carrying a MENU.
Conceptual Metaphor
A LIST IS A MAP (from historical cartography) → A MENU IS A MAP OF THE MEAL.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'carte' used in a modern, non-restaurant sense?