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

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

Just a few years ago, the city was heralded as the next chic, hip thing, its tree-lined streets bustling with new boutiques, buzzing restaurants and rents so high that it sparked an anti-gentrification backlash.

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

Bairro Alto Hotel - This five-star boutique hotel is nothing like your favorite luxury chain — it’s far too unique to fit into a cookie-cutter mold.

From Salon

Modern pole dancing originated in strip clubs in the 1950s but became more mainstream in the past few decades as gyms and boutique studios that taught the activity sprung up around the country.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• booth
• store