bespoke

adjective

be·​spoke bi-ˈspōk How to pronounce bespoke (audio)
bē-
variants or less commonly bespoken
1
a
: custom-made
a bespoke suit
b
: dealing in or producing custom-made articles
a bespoke tailor
2
dialect : engaged

Did you know?

In the English language of yore, the verb bespeak had various meanings, including “to speak,” “to accuse,” and “to complain.” In the 16th century, bespeak acquired another meaning: “to order or arrange in advance.” It is from that sense that we get the adjective bespoke, referring to clothes and other things that are ordered before they are made. Bespoke has enjoyed a spike in usage in recent years, perhaps due to consumer trends that champion all things artisanal over those that are prefab.

Examples of bespoke in a Sentence

a wealthy man who can easily afford bespoke suits
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
By providing a straightforward transparency and consumer alignment business model, LIR is a bold advocate for consumer empowerment and bespoke value. Tyler Shepherd, USA TODAY, 14 Dec. 2024 The lab results will then help shape a bespoke healthiness program that combines biotherapies, nutraceuticals, and personalized nutrition to address root causes and foster vitality. Angela Lei, Forbes, 13 Dec. 2024 Mate Rimac's autonomous ride-hailing service Verne, which uses pretty, bespoke two-seat coupes with no steering wheel or pedals launches in Zagreb next year, with at least a dozen more cities already signed up. Ben Oliver, WIRED, 13 Dec. 2024 Audley Travel, a boutique travel agency, has always specialized in creating bespoke, authentic trips. Madeline Weinfield, Travel + Leisure, 12 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for bespoke 

Word History

Etymology

past participle of bespeak

First Known Use

1607, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of bespoke was in 1607

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Dictionary Entries Near bespoke

Cite this Entry

“Bespoke.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bespoke. Accessed 18 Dec. 2024.

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