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 But bespeak is rarely used as a verb anymore—it sounds very outdated.Bespoke also sounds a bit old-fashioned, but that’s probably why it became so trendy—it’s often used to imply a handcrafted, unique approach to making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

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

"Since the arson attack, we have put in place an enhanced, bespoke policing plan, which has been focused around vulnerable areas not only in Golders Green, but right across London," he said.

From BBC • Apr. 1, 2026

“Many of those firms are not looking for individual, bespoke solutions to process different asset classes,” said Tito Shirley, head of middle office solutions at FIS.

From Barron's • Mar. 24, 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

Thus designed, Morgan Stanley’s new bespoke credit default swap was virtually certain one day to pay off.

From "The Big Short" by Michael Lewis