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

Set in downtown LA, it’s an eclectic, colorful boutique hotel with vintage brick details and excellent service.

From Salon

A mother of twin girls who was left shocked by the price of prom dresses has started a boutique where outfits and suits can be hired for free.

From BBC

Set in a Dallas shopping mall, “Forbidden Fruits” revolves around an elite clique of retail employees who run a witches’ coven out of the basement of their boho boutique Free Eden.

From Los Angeles Times

He had recently bought other AI boutiques and was on a hunt for the next one.

From The Wall Street Journal

“At some point, there will be too many clubs,” says Thomas Brown, CEO of Ad Altius Advisors, a brokerage that helps owners buy and sell luxury boutique hotels.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• booth
• store