boutique

American  

[boo-teek] / buˈtik /

noun

1. a small shop or a small specialty department within a larger store, especially one that sells fashionable clothes and accessories or a special selection of other merchandise.

2. any small, exclusive business offering customized service.

   Our advertising is handled by a new Madison Avenue boutique.

3. Informal. a small business, department, etc., specializing in one aspect of a larger industry.

   one of Wall Street's leading research boutiques.

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adjective

1. of, designating, or characteristic of a small, exclusive producer or business.

   one of California's best boutique wineries.

boutique British  

/ buːˈtiːk /

noun

1. a shop, esp a small one selling fashionable clothes and other items

2. 1. of or denoting a small specialized producer or business

   2. ( as modifier )

      a boutique winery

3. a small specialized stall or shopping area within a supermarket, esp selling fresh meat, seafood, etc

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Etymology

Origin of boutique

1760–70; < French, Middle French, probably < Old Provençal botica, botiga (with Late Greek ē > ī ) < Greek apothḗkē; apothecary, bottega

Example Sentences

More important, brands of all sizes have opened their own boutiques, competing directly with their department-store customers.

From The Wall Street Journal

Customer service makes a big difference at boutique hotels and major chains alike, and Ironworks does a fantastic job in this department, with excellent service at every level and interaction.

From Salon

Apple approached a boutique investment bank to help find a fund and approached a small fintech company about a deal with a private-credit partner.

From The Wall Street Journal

Luxury labels are selling more merchandise in their own boutiques.

From The Wall Street Journal

She had just been laid off from a boutique investment banking firm in San Francisco’s tech startup scene, and realized she wanted a change.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• booth
• store