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ala

prep. · n.
US //ˈæɫə// UK //ɐlˈæ// ala
  1. 1 in the style of (prep.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Informal

    in the style of or in the manner of someone or something.

    in the style or manner of; a loanword from French 'à la' often written without the accent in English.

    Example

    He gave a speech ala a professional politician to impress the crowd.

    Example

    The chef prepared a modern dessert ala the classic French tradition, blending molecular gastronomy with rustic flavours.

    Usage

    Often used before a proper noun or a well-known style; frequently written as 'a la'.
  2. 2 wing-like part (n.)
    C2 Proficiency Technical Science

    a part of a bone or a plant that looks like a wing.

    a wing-like process or structure, particularly in anatomical or botanical contexts.

    Example

    The doctor pointed to the ala of the nose on the diagram.

    Example

    The botanist noted that the seeds were equipped with a thin ala to facilitate wind dispersal across the valley.
  3. 3 Roman architecture (n.)
    C2 Proficiency Technical Archaic Science

    a small room or alcove in an ancient Roman house.

    a small room or wing opening into the atrium of an ancient Roman house.

    Example

    The tour guide showed us the ala where the family kept statues.

    Example

    Excavations revealed that the ala was decorated with intricate mosaics, suggesting it was a space for displaying ancestral busts.
Related words

Last updated June 20, 2026