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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
Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 Feb. 2026
Beyond history and outdoor recreation, Southern Living noted Boone’s walkable downtown, particularly the King Street corridor, for its mix of antique stores, thrift shops, independent bookstores and local boutiques.
—Evan Moore, Charlotte Observer, 20 Feb. 2026
James Shani’s Rich Spirit released the film Stateside with a series of boutique screenings in select cities.
—Zac Ntim, Deadline, 20 Feb. 2026
The Beauty Edit Mayfair, an independent beauty boutique in central London, introduced K-beauty masterclasses and facials for the first time in 2025.
—Kati Chitrakorn, CNN Money, 19 Feb. 2026
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Cite this Entry
“Boutique.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/boutique. Accessed 22 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
boutique
noun
from French boutique "shop"
Legal Definition
boutique
noun
