# ala

/ˈæɫə/ (US) · /ɐlˈæ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/ala
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. in the style of

preposition · CEFR B2 · Informal

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

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

- He gave a speech ala a professional politician to impress the crowd.
- 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. wing-like part

noun · CEFR C2 · Technical

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

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

- The doctor pointed to the ala of the nose on the diagram.
- The botanist noted that the seeds were equipped with a thin ala to facilitate wind dispersal across the valley.

### 3. Roman architecture

noun · CEFR C2 · Technical · Archaic

a small room or alcove in an ancient Roman house.

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

- The tour guide showed us the ala where the family kept statues.
- Excavations revealed that the ala was decorated with intricate mosaics, suggesting it was a space for displaying ancestral busts.

## Examples

- The bat has large ears with a small ala.
- The surgeon carefully removed the ala of the nose to correct the breathing passage.
- In botanical terms, the ala refers to the wing-like expansion of a seed or fruit that aids in wind dispersal.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.