haute couture

noun

haute cou·​ture ˌōt-ku̇-ˈtu̇r How to pronounce haute couture (audio)
: the houses or designers that create exclusive and often trend-setting fashions for women
also : the fashions created

Examples of haute couture in a Sentence

a fashion designer who's a renowned master of haute couture
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.
The designer and new creative director of women’s, men’s and haute couture collections debuted his women’s spring 2026 collection during the recent Paris Fashion Week. Julia Teti, Footwear News, 14 Oct. 2025 The hat was in fact designed by Maison Schiaparelli, known for its avant-garde haute couture. Alyce Collins, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Sep. 2025 No brand can call their work haute couture unless the French Ministry of Industry and the Federation de la Haute Couture et de la Mode (FHCM), the country’s governing body representing the fashion industry, says so. Leah Dolan, CNN Money, 25 Sep. 2025 As the name suggests, the haute couture bar is designed by Dior, which has upholstered bamboo comfy chairs with a white and dark green toile de Jouy design. Rebecca Ann Hughes, Forbes.com, 19 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for haute couture

Word History

Etymology

French, literally, high sewing

First Known Use

1908, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of haute couture was in 1908

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Cite this Entry

“Haute couture.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/haute%20couture. Accessed 21 Oct. 2025.

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