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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
Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 26 Apr. 2025
The boutique resort is like nowhere else on the island, balancing classic Aruban charm with luxury level amenities.
—Jacqueline Dole, Travel + Leisure, 26 Apr. 2025
The Tryst is a luxury boutique hotel catered toward gay world travelers, owned by entrepreneur Tristan Schukraft.
—Benjamin Vanhoose, People.com, 26 Apr. 2025
The 8th arrondissement is a tourist-friendly neighborhood in Paris known for luxury boutiques, high end hotels and fine dining.
—Caitlin Palumbo, Forbes.com, 25 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for boutique
Cite this Entry
“Boutique.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/boutique. Accessed 7 May. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
boutique
noun
from French boutique "shop"
Legal Definition
boutique
noun
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