couture

American  

[koo-toor, koo-tyr] / kuˈtʊər, kuˈtür /

noun

1. the occupation of a couturier; dressmaking and designing.

2. fashion designers or couturiers collectively.

3. the clothes and related articles designed by such designers.

4. the business establishments of such designers, especially where clothes are made to order.

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adjective

1. created or produced by a fashion designer.

   couture clothes.

2. being, having, or suggesting the style, quality, etc., of a fashion designer; very fashionable.

   the couture look.

couture British  

/ kuːˈtʊə, kutyr /

noun

1. 1. high-fashion designing and dressmaking

   2. ( as modifier )

      couture clothes

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Usage

What does couture mean? Couture most commonly refers to or describes clothing that was designed by a fashion designer or has that level of quality. Couture can also refer to fashion designers collectively, their profession, the clothes designed by them, or their businesses. Couture is found in (and can be used as a shortening of) the term haute couture, which refers to the world of high fashion and custom-made garments. Example: She’s known for wearing couture looks that are straight from the runway.

Etymology

Origin of couture

1905–10; < French: literally, sewing, seam < Vulgar Latin *cō ( n ) sūtūra, equivalent to Latin consūt ( us ) past participle of consuere to sew together ( con- con- + suere to sew ¹ ) + -ūra -ure; suture, accouter

Example Sentences

Sometimes, it’s the lack of access that holds filmmakers back; others, it’s the inability to find the point where history, couture and artistry intersect.

From Salon • Mar. 27, 2026

Nevertheless, kudos to the costume team for a different outfit that Grace wears in the second half of the film that’s an absolute jaw-dropper of goth couture with black netting and a tiara.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 19, 2026

At the invite-only affair for countries chosen by the International Olympic Committee, Mongolians walked the runway in uniforms that could have passed as couture.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 6, 2026

All eyes were on Armani Privé too as it unveiled its first haute couture collection since founder Giorgio died last year, aged 91.

From BBC • Jan. 29, 2026

But Eddy Strap’s mom beat me to it and explained how Pipo Place would bring couture boutiques to Main Street.

From "The Epic Fail of Arturo Zamora" by Pablo Cartaya