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

Early in the pandemic, for example, Pacific Valley continued to lend to boutique hotels that other banks had pulled away from.

From The Wall Street Journal

The shop is in Paved Court, a narrow, cobblestone pedestrian street lined with boutique shops, cafes and restaurants.

From BBC

Its flagship brand, Louis Vuitton, in June opened a Shanghai boutique in the shape of a ship, which is drawing thousands of visitors a day.

From The Wall Street Journal

And unlike the posh boutiques and flagship international stores that dot that premier North Michigan Avenue address, this street runs through a predominantly Hispanic neighbourhood.

From BBC

He is perched on the edge of a poolside lounge chair from a boutique hotel in the heart of Hollywood.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• booth
• store