boutique

noun

bou·​tique bü-ˈtēk 

often attributive

1

a

: a small shop dealing in fashionable clothing or accessories

b

: a small shop within a large department store

2

: a small company that offers highly specialized services or products

boutique wineries

an independent investment boutique

boutiquey

bü-ˈtē-kē 

adjective

Did you know?

Apothecaries, Bodegas, and Boutiques

Apothecary, bodega, and boutique may not look very similar, but they are all related both in meaning and in origin. Each of these words can be traced back to a Latin word for “storehouse” (apotheca), and each one refers in English to a retail establishment of some sort. Although bodega initially meant “a storehouse for wine,” it now most commonly refers to a grocery store in an urban area, especially one that specializes in Hispanic groceries. Boutique has also taken on new meanings: its first sense in English (“a small retail store”) is still current, but it now may also denote “a small company that offers highly specialized products or services.” Of the three words, apothecary has changed the least; it has gone from referring solely to the person who sells drugs or medicines to also naming the store where such goods are sold.

Examples of boutique in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Next up are approvals and discussions with the village on a Related Ross mixed-use proposal including dining, retail, a boutique hotel with up to 150 rooms, and residential. —David Lyons, Sun Sentinel, 3 Feb. 2025

While the natural beauty is tough to beat, the city of Sarasota itself has a lot to offer, from soothing spa treatments and beachfront yoga to world-class shows at the Sarasota Ballet to lively new boutique hotels and restaurants. —Karla Walsh, Southern Living, 1 Feb. 2025

There was a Blue Ribbon Sushi, a juice bar, a vegan bakery and boutiques run by everyone from Jennifer Meyer to Rachel Zoe to Lauren Conrad. —Peter Kiefer, The Hollywood Reporter, 31 Jan. 2025

After losing her job in 2020 amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Wing took the opportunity to launch her own boutique design firm. —Natalia Senanayake, People.com, 30 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

French, shop, probably from Old Occitan botica, ultimately from Greek apothēkē storehouse — more at apothecary

First Known Use

1767, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

boutique

noun

bou·​tique bü-ˈtēk 

: a small fashionable store

Etymology

from French boutique "shop"

Legal Definition

boutique

noun

bou·​tique bü-ˈtēk 

: a small company that offers highly specialized services or products

specifically : a small law firm that offers services in one or a small number of legal areas