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

"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

Professional support can provide them with tailored strategies and support families in managing these behaviors effectively.

From Science Daily

"Addressing these factors through tailored interventions could help combat the growing U.S. alcohol mortality epidemic," said Kitsantas.

From Science Daily

Differentiated instruction — in which a teacher tailors lessons to varying student needs — sounds good but is difficult to carry off in a large class.

From Los Angeles Times

The survey highlighted how people with disabilities and women might have nuanced requirements from footpaths and that tailoring improvements to meet their needs could enhance accessibility and equity.

From BBC