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.
Trust as Currency Consumers are more likely to buy from brands that understand their preferences, deliver experiences that feel bespoke, and personalize their interactions. Isabelle Zdatny, Fortune, 24 Oct. 2024 Embracing the method dressing approach, Hilton Rothschild wore a bespoke skirt suit by Rebecca Vallance in trending butter yellow to the horse racing event. Maggie Clancy, WWD, 5 Nov. 2024 Inside the Wynn will be a theater featuring bespoke shows. Caroline Reid, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024 Don Arnold For the Sydney stop, Grande chose a bespoke two-piece in her Glinda pink and white color palette from the Lower East Side’s beloved Bode. Hannah Jackson, Vogue, 5 Nov. 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 22 Nov. 2024.

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