bespoke

adjective

be·​spoke bi-ˈspōk How to pronounce bespoke (audio)
bē-
variants or less commonly bespoken
Synonyms of bespokenext
1
a
: custom-made
a bespoke suit
b
: dealing in or producing custom-made articles
a bespoke tailor
2
dialect : engaged

Did you know?

In the English language of yore, the verb bespeak had various meanings, including “to speak,” “to accuse,” and “to complain.” In the 16th century, bespeak acquired another meaning: “to order.” It is from that sense that we get the adjective bespoke, referring to clothes and other things that are ordered before they are made. Bespoke has enjoyed a spike in usage in recent years, perhaps due to consumer trends that champion all things artisanal over those that are prefab.

Examples of bespoke in a Sentence

a wealthy man who can easily afford bespoke suits
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Named Project Nightingale, the car is the first from Rolls-Royce’s Coachbuild Collection, a new invite-only program that’s making tiny batches of highly bespoke vehicles developed over months with clients’ close collaboration. Bloomberg, Mercury News, 14 Apr. 2026 This will be through the automaker’s Manufaktur Made to Measure program, which includes over 100 paint colors and other bespoke interior options. Andrew J. Hawkins, The Verge, 13 Apr. 2026 The organisation aims to design bespoke digital badge qualifications in conjunction with a range of private companies that will offer the 99 per cent of youngsters released from British academies alternative employment pathways. Jordan Campbell, New York Times, 8 Apr. 2026 Marking a significant return to public duties, Middleton wore a bespoke burgundy Alexander McQueen coat to welcome the Emir of Qatar. Instyle Editors, InStyle, 6 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for bespoke

Word History

Etymology

past participle of bespeak

First Known Use

1607, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of bespoke was in 1607

Podcast

Cite this Entry

“Bespoke.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bespoke. Accessed 20 Apr. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on bespoke

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster