tailor

¹

[ tey-ler ]

noun

1. a person whose occupation is the making, mending, or altering of clothes, especially suits, coats, and other outer garments.

verb (used with object)

1. to make by tailor's work.
2. to fashion or adapt to a particular taste, purpose, need, etc.:

   to tailor one's actions to those of another.

3. to fit or furnish with clothing.
4. Chiefly U.S. Military. to make (a uniform) to order; cut (a ready-made uniform) so as to cause to fit more snugly; taper.

verb (used without object)

1. to do the work of a tailor.

tailor

²

[ tey-ler ]

noun

, British Dialect.

1. a stroke of a bell indicating someone's death; knell.

tailor

/ ˈteɪlə /

noun

1. a person who makes, repairs, or alters outer garments, esp menswear sartorial
2. a voracious and active marine food fish, Pomatomus saltator, of Australia with scissor-like teeth

verb

1. to cut or style (material, clothes, etc) to satisfy certain requirements
2. tr to adapt so as to make suitable for something specific

   he tailored his speech to suit a younger audience

3. intr to follow the occupation of a tailor

Word History and Origins

Origin of tailor¹

First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English (noun), from Anglo-French tailour, Old French tailleor, from taill(ier) “to cut” (from Late Latin tāliāre, derivative of Latin tālea “rod, cutting,” literally, “heel-piece”; tally ) + -or -or ²

Origin of tailor²

Alteration by folk etymology of teller

Word History and Origins

Origin of tailor¹

C13: from Anglo-Norman taillour, from Old French taillier to cut, from Latin tālea a cutting; related to Greek talis girl of marriageable age

Example Sentences

The new method makes it possible to design large new proteins better than before and to tailor them to the desired properties, for example, to bind precisely to other proteins.

From Science Daily

By targeting the microbiota, researchers can potentially develop tailored, preventive solutions that support healthier, more resilient skin -- improving quality of life for millions around the world.

From Science Daily

However, they caution that the inhibition of EZH2 in tumors with high levels of PKCl/i can sometimes counteract therapeutic effects, underscoring the need for precisely tailored treatments for patients with reduced PKCl/i levels.

From Science Daily

The timing of his bowing out, coupled with a schedule tailored to keeping Biden off the debate stage, robbed Harris of one of her "best formats," according to Silver.

From Salon

"This can range from cerebral palsy specific studies to any study that involves neurodevelopmental conditions. The information that is gathered will help improve the care adults with cerebral palsy receive and better tailor their treatments."

From Science Daily