1 bespoke | Definition of bespoke

bespoke

adjective
be·​spoke | \ bi-ˈspōk How to pronounce bespoke (audio) , bē-\
variants: or less commonly bespoken \ bi-​ˈspō-​kən How to pronounce bespoken (audio) , bē-​ \

Definition of bespoke

1a : custom-made a bespoke suit
b : dealing in or producing custom-made articles a bespoke tailor
2 dialect : engaged

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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. You are most likely to encounter this adjective in British contexts, such as the recent Reuters news story about a young pig in Northern England who was fitted with "bespoke miniature footwear" (custom-made Wellington boots) to help it overcome a phobia of mud.

Examples of bespoke in a Sentence

a wealthy man who can easily afford bespoke suits

Recent Examples on the Web

Deposits have reportedly been received for about half of the 150 bespoke Battistas that are slated to be built. Jeff Yip, Houston Chronicle, "Red-carpet rockets: Is 500 hp now theadmission price to supercar club?," 30 Aug. 2019 The subscription approach might not appeal to high-net-worth investors, who probably want more bespoke plans with highly personalized attention. Chris Taylor, Fortune, "Schwab Bets That Investors Will ‘Binge’ on Advice With Netflix-like Subscription Service," 28 Aug. 2019 Now, the designer is bridging the same gap on the olfactory front with Monolito, her new line of bespoke fragrances, vials, and objects; the former bottled in France, and the latter created by artisans in Colombia. Lauren Valenti, Vogue, "Introducing Monolito, a New Fragrance Line That Comes in Chic Wearable Vials," 14 Aug. 2019 Earlier this year, Rolling Stones manager Glastry’s Joyce Smyth became a patron of the Women Make Music fund offering bespoke mentorship and career support to three artists, songwriters or composers each year. Richard Smirke, Billboard, "'Barriers Still Need to Be Broken Down': AWAL Partners With PRS Foundation to Address Gender Gap," 14 Aug. 2019 Since graduating from her life as a Disney channel star back in 2013, actress and singer Bella Thorne has come out with a clothing collection, a bespoke beauty line, and a book. Kaleigh Fasanella, Allure, "Bella Thorne Directed Her First Adult Film for Pornhub — Here’s Everything We Know About It," 14 Aug. 2019 Because of its popularity over the years, mid-century modern pieces can be found anywhere, from luxury bespoke furniture brands to mass-market producers. Lucia Tonelli, ELLE Decor, "Best Room Wins," 30 May 2019 Email programs will offer more bespoke features to make sense of them. Ian Bogost, The Atlantic, "Work Ruined Email," 2 Aug. 2019 Wallace was brash and abrasive, but with a bespoke style. Mark Feeney, BostonGlobe.com, "Documentary ‘Mike Wallace Is Here’ is a slam-bang look at a slam-bang interviewer," 31 July 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'bespoke.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of bespoke

1607, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

History and Etymology for bespoke

past participle of bespeak

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More Definitions for bespoke

bespoke

adjective

English Language Learners Definition of bespoke

: made to fit a particular person also : producing clothes that are made to fit a particular person

More from Merriam-Webster on bespoke

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with bespoke

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for bespoke

Nglish: Translation of bespoke for Spanish Speakers