menu
A2Neutral
Definition
Meaning
A list of food and drinks available for ordering in a restaurant, café, etc.
A list of options or commands available in a computer program, interface, or system; in a figurative sense, any set of choices from which one can select.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily a noun. The core meaning is culinary. The computing sense is a direct metaphorical extension of the culinary sense, structured as a list of selectable items.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences. Spelling is identical. 'Bill of fare' is a dated/formal synonym more likely found in historical or very formal UK contexts.
Connotations
Identical connotations in both varieties.
Frequency
Extremely high frequency in both varieties with no notable divergence.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[verb] + menu: browse the menu, study the menu, consult the menu, offer a menu, design a menu[adjective] + menu: extensive menu, prix fixe menu, vegetarian menu, extensive menu, confusing menuVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “off the menu (not available for selection)”
- “on the menu (available, planned, or likely to happen)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used in hospitality and software industries to denote product/service lists or user interface elements.
Academic
Rare in core academic texts; may appear in hospitality management, computer science, or as a metaphor in social sciences (e.g., 'policy menu').
Everyday
Extremely common in restaurant and computing contexts (phones, apps, websites).
Technical
Standard term in computing for a UI control listing commands or options.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- Could we see the menu, please?
- The children's menu has pizza and pasta.
- Click on 'File' in the menu bar.
- They have a set menu for £25 on weekdays.
- I'm browsing the menu online before we go.
- The software has a very intuitive help menu.
- The restaurant boasts an extensive à la carte menu featuring local produce.
- Navigate to the settings via the drop-down menu in the top corner.
- The government presented a menu of policy options to stimulate the economy.
- The chef's tasting menu was an exquisite, seven-course culinary journey.
- The application's context-sensitive menu adapts dynamically based on the user's selections.
- Investors were offered a diverse menu of financial instruments to hedge their risks.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a restaurant: you MEet NUtrition needs by choosing from the MENU.
Conceptual Metaphor
CHOICES ARE FOOD ITEMS ON A LIST (e.g., a menu of services, a policy menu).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid confusing 'menu' with 'меню' in the sense of a daily meal plan or ration (рацион, режим питания). The Russian word has a broader domestic use.
- The computing term is a direct borrowing ('меню'), so no trap.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'menu' as a verb (non-standard: *'Let's menu our options').
- Misspelling as 'menue'.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'menu' LEAST likely to be used?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, 'menu' is not standardly used as a verb in English. Use phrases like 'plan a menu', 'create a menu', or 'choose from the menu'.
An 'à la carte' menu lists items with individual prices. A 'prix fixe' (or 'set') menu offers a complete meal for a single, fixed price.
A 'context menu' is a pop-up menu that appears when you right-click on an item, offering options relevant to that specific item or context.
Yes, this is a common metaphorical extension. You can have a 'menu of services', a 'policy menu', or a 'menu of courses' at a university.
Collections
Part of a collection
Food and Cooking
A2 · 50 words · Cooking methods, kitchen tools and recipes.