bespoke

American  

[bih-spohk] / bɪˈspoʊk /

adjective

1. 1. (of clothes) made to individual order; custom-made.

      a bespoke jacket.

   2. making or selling such clothes.

      a bespoke tailor.

2. Older Use. engaged to be married; spoken for.

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verb

1. a simple past tense and past participle of bespeak.

bespoke British  

/ bɪˈspəʊk /

adjective

1. (esp of clothing or a website, computer program, etc) made to the customer's specifications

2. making or selling such clothing, websites, etc

   a bespoke tailor

   a bespoke web designer

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Usage

What does bespoke mean? Bespoke means custom-made—made based on the specifications of the person ordering it, as in a bespoke suit. It can also be used to describe a person or company that makes such things, as in bespoke tailor.Bespoke is an adjective, but it’s also the past tense of the verb bespeak, which commonly means to ask for in advance (as in I need to bespeak your help) or to reserve beforehand (as in You need to bespeak a table, sir). But bespeak is rarely used as a verb anymore—it sounds very outdated.Bespoke also sounds a bit old-fashioned, but that’s probably why it became so trendy—it’s often used to imply a handcrafted, unique approach to making something. In its strictest sense, bespoke means made-to-order, but it’s often applied to things that aren’t actually made specifically for someone but that are simply made individually, as opposed to being mass-produced.Example: I found this website yesterday that does bespoke sweatshirts that can be custom-made to my preferences and body type!

Etymology

Origin of bespoke

First recorded in 1745–55 bespoke for def. 1

Example Sentences

There may be "exquisite unique hypersonic capabilities or other bespoke systems that could be used against specific targets," he said.

From Barron's • Apr. 7, 2026

He’s opted instead for a business model where the product is the solution instead of a starting point for bespoke engineering engagements.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 4, 2026

Newry-born Caolum McCabe and Karen Hegarty from a rural community in the Sperrin Mountains made bespoke, tailored pieces for the Derry girl to wear in the photoshoot.

From BBC • Mar. 26, 2026

The tragic heart of this six-episode hankie-soaker, at least the one it wears on its bespoke sleeve, is that Stacy and Preston never share a cabin getaway.

From Salon • Mar. 23, 2026

The way she sat, moved, talked, did everything, bespoke somebody who did and got exactly what she wanted.

From "The Autobiography of Malcolm X" by Alex Malcolm X;Hailey