boutique

[ boo-teek ]

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.

adjective

1. of, designating, or characteristic of a small, exclusive producer or business:

   one of California's best boutique wineries.

boutique

/ 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

Word History and Origins

Origin of boutique¹

1760–70; < French, Middle French, probably < Old Provençal botica, botiga (with Late Greek ē > ī ) < Greek apothḗkē; apothecary, bottega

Word History and Origins

Origin of boutique¹

C18: from French, probably from Old Provençal botica , ultimately from Greek apothēkē storehouse; see apothecary

Example Sentences

The land, most recently known as Critter Country, now serves as a sort of extension of the nearby New Orleans Square, home to the quick service dining location Tiana’s Palace and “The Princess and the Frog”-themed shop Eudora’s Chic Boutique.

From Los Angeles Times

There are about a dozen boutique fitness studios in L.A. that specialize in slow-motion strength training, as well as larger chains like the Perfect Workout.

From Los Angeles Times

Case in point: I recently watched a a young influencer-type stick her smartphone to the front window of the Gucci boutique— literally, using some sort of suction cup phone case — so she could step back and beam her whereabouts to TikTok.

From Los Angeles Times

And what these elite, boutique shops don’t necessarily realize is that they’re turning wellness into a luxury for the elite and those who replicate elitism for clout.

From Los Angeles Times

Stepping into woodworker Eric Blackwell’s Woodland Hills home, you feel as if you’re entering a bespoke furniture boutique.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• booth
• store