tailor

1 of 2

noun

tai·​lor ˈtā-lər 

: a person whose occupation is making or altering garments (such as suits, jackets, and dresses) typically to fit a particular person

tailor

2 of 2

verb

tailored; tailoring; tailors

transitive verb

1

a

: to make or fashion as the work of a tailor

b

: to make or adapt to suit a special need or purpose

2

: to fit with clothes

3

: to style with trim straight lines and finished handwork

intransitive verb

: to do the work of a tailor

Synonyms

Verb

• acclimate
• acclimatize
• accommodate
• adapt
• adjust
• condition
• conform
• doctor
• edit
• fashion
• fit
• put
• shape
• suit

Examples of tailor in a Sentence

Verb

I had my suit tailored.

They tailored the show for younger audiences.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Elvis’ black paisley silk brocade tux was custom-made by MGM tailor Lambert Marks, who had previously worked with the singer on films such as Girl Happy and Spinout. —Nicole Briese, Peoplemag, 18 Aug. 2024

Carol Kurth Architecture + Interiors tailors each home to the client’s needs with specialty spaces such as dance studios, indoor lap pools, basketball courts, and home theaters. —Elizabeth Stamp, Architectural Digest, 12 Aug. 2024

Verb

The more businesses know about customers’ preferences over time, the more organizations can tailor offerings to improve customer experiences and boost engagement. —Uddhav Gupta, Forbes, 5 Sep. 2024

With a suite of services tailored to this sector, the firm helps restaurants not just survive but prosper. —Chris Gallagher, USA TODAY, 5 Sep. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English taillour, from Anglo-French taillur, from tailler, taillier to cut, from Late Latin taliare, from Latin talea plant cutting, thin piece of wood

First Known Use

Noun

13th century, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1719, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense

Phrases Containing tailor

• custom-tailor
• tailor-made

Kids Definition

tailor

1 of 2 noun

tai·​lor ˈtā-lər 

: a person whose occupation is making or making adjustments in outer garments

tailor

2 of 2 verb

1

: to make or fashion as the work of a tailor

2

: to make or make suitable for a special need or purpose