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.
For the 2023 edition of the haute couture collection show, Cardi wore a similarly extravagant ensemble. Julia Teti, Footwear News, 7 July 2025 Next Thursday night in Paris, after the final show on the haute couture schedule has ended, an altogether different show will take place at the Louvre. Amy Verner, Vogue, 1 July 2025 Per Chanel, the look was inspired by the brand's haute couture spring 2003 collection and came complete with a tone-on-tone organza and feather camelia, as well as jeweled buttons. Brenton Blanchet, People.com, 28 June 2025 Last October Kim Jones parted ways with Fendi after four years as its artistic director of haute couture, ready-to-wear and fur collections for women, making his mark with high-profile collaborations and destination shows. Miles Socha, Footwear News, 23 June 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 11 Jul. 2025.

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