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

The street festival will feature Los Gatos restaurants, local wineries, craft breweries, local boutiques and vendors. — Debby Rice, The Mercury News, "Reunions, fundraisers draw West Valley residents," 8 Sep. 2019 All are invited to Huntington Hospital’s boutique and consignment shop, the Huntington Collection for a special sale of vintage, rare, collectible and antiquarian books. — La Cañada Valley Sun, "La Cañada area events," 3 Sep. 2019 Like most white authors in this genre, Boot’s self-hatred is boutique and performative. — John Hirschauer, National Review, "Max Boot Fans the Flames of Racial Hatred," 12 Aug. 2019 Deadline Extended, Call for Artisans and Crafters: Arts Center East’s Animalia exhibition will also feature a pet boutique and artisan craft fair. — courant.com, "Community News For The Vernon Edition," 18 July 2019 Hours: Thursday-Saturday, noon to 6 p.m. Revelry is a two-in-one boutique and gallery. — Laurel Deppen, The Courier-Journal, "Kentucky-made art in Louisville: Here are more than a dozen places to find it," 17 July 2019 Shopping ranges from high-quality crafters, such as a world famous clog brand, to women’s boutiques and home goods. — Nancy Ngo, Twin Cities, "Day trip to Chisago City, Lindstrom and Center City for shopping, dining with Scandinavian flair," 7 July 2019 This quintessential California shopping street is full of the best boutiques and restaurants. — Jessi Walker, Marie Claire, "Take the Ultimate Southern California Road Trip," 27 June 2019 Plus, photographers captured Turner and Jonas leaving the Celine boutique and walking hand-in-hand through the city. — Amy Mackelden, Harper's BAZAAR, "Sophie Turner Does Double Denim on the Streets of Paris Ahead of Her Wedding to Joe Jonas," 22 June 2019

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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Last Updated

3 Oct 2019

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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