boutique

noun, often attributive

bou·tique | \bü-ˈtēk

Definition of boutique

1a : a small shop dealing in fashionable clothing or accessories

b : a small shop within a large department store

2 : a small company that offers highly specialized services or products boutique wineries an independent investment boutique

Other Words from boutique Apothecaries, Bodegas, and Boutiques More Example Sentences Learn More about boutique

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Apothecaries, Bodegas, and Boutiques

Apothecary, bodega, and boutique may not look very similar, but they are all related both in meaning and in origin. Each of these words can be traced back to a Latin word for “storehouse” (apotheca), and each one refers in English to a retail establishment of some sort. Although bodega initially meant “a storehouse for wine,” it now most commonly refers to a grocery store in an urban area, especially one that specializes in Hispanic groceries. Boutique has also taken on new meanings: its first sense in English (“a small retail store”) is still current, but it now may also denote “a small company that offers highly specialized products or services.” Of the three words, apothecary has changed the least; it has gone from referring solely to the person who sells drugs or medicines to also naming the store where such goods are sold.

Examples of boutique in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

On the River in San Antonio, Texas: an iconic 146-room boutique hotel and culinary destination in the storied 19th-century Brewhouse at historic Pearl. — Condé Naste Traveler: Post, "HOTEL EMMA," 26 Oct. 2018 Next Thing: Up to now, Mr. Crane has relied on a series of artfully minimalist Instagram ads for marketing and sold his collection in some 25 boutiques around the country, including Brooklyn’s Concrete + Water and Wolves Within. — Alex Williams, New York Times, "A Brooklyn Designer Who Is All About Linen," 1 June 2018 Miatta David Johnson, 41, and her sister, Massah David, 38, are the brains behind MVD Inc., a boutique creative marketing firm for the stars. — Ronald D. White, latimes.com, "These sisters know how to throw a good Hollywood party," 27 May 2018 Hats & dresses: Derby women's fashion Margie Duvall stays open to advice from her friends and appreciates shopping in a boutique where the owner is involved. — Kirby Adams, The Courier-Journal, "How to dress for Kentucky Derby 2018: Look like Millionaires Row on an infield budget," 30 Mar. 2018 Two Old Hippies Don’t be confused by the racks of boho blouses and vintage guitars at this boutique in the Gulch district. — Andrea Williams, Condé Nast Traveler, "5 Nashville Must-Visit Music Venues (For Folks Who Hate Country)," 18 May 2018 Six retail shops, including the only boutique in Temecula that carries such upscale designer brands as Versace and Gucci. — Michele Parente, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Barona, Pechanga and Viejas unveil expansions," 29 Apr. 2018 Jean Pool, an upscale denim boutique in Village at Cross Keys in North Baltimore, will close at the end of May after 12 years in business. — Lorraine Mirabella, baltimoresun.com, "Jean Pool boutique is closing at Baltimore's Village of Cross Keys," 23 Apr. 2018 Owning a boutique in Chicago is both exciting and challenging. — Isa Giallorenzo, Chicago Reader, "Style Anastasia Chatzka is closing her Ukie Village boutique this weekend but shall return," 9 Mar. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'boutique.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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Dictionary Entries near boutique

Statistics for boutique

Last Updated

14 Nov 2018

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Time Traveler for boutique

The first known use of boutique was in 1767

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More Definitions for boutique

boutique

noun

English Language Learners Definition of boutique

: a small store that sells stylish clothing or other usually expensive things

See the full definition for boutique in the English Language Learners Dictionary

boutique

noun

bou·tique | \bü-ˈtēk

Kids Definition of boutique

: a small fashionable shop

boutique

noun

bou·tique | \bü-ˈtēk

Legal Definition of boutique

: a small company that offers highly specialized services or products specifically : a small law firm that offers services in one or a small number of legal areas