Bespoke
/bɪˈspoʊk/
adjectiveIntermediate📊CommonAdjective
1 meaning2 questions
Definitions
1
Made to order; custom-made.
/bɪˈspoʊk/
adjectiveneutralIntermediate
Adjective
Custom-made or tailored to a particular customer's specifications.
His bespoke shoes were incredibly comfortable.
💡 Simply: Made just for one person.
More Examples
2
The company offers bespoke software solutions.
How It's Used
Fashion
"She wore a bespoke gown designed by a famous couturier."
Tailoring
"He ordered a bespoke suit from a Savile Row tailor."
From Middle English *bespoken, past participle of bespeken "to speak to, order", from be- + speken "to speak". Originally meant "previously spoken of or mentioned", evolving to its current meaning of custom-made.
While the word's roots are old, the current meaning focused on custom-made goods emerged in the 19th century.
Memory tip
Think 'spoken for' - it's been specifically ordered.
Word Origin
LanguageMiddle English
Original meaning
"previously spoken of; ordered"
bespoke suitbespoke softwarebespoke furniturebespoke tailoring
Common misspellings
bespokeenbespoak
Practice
Usage
10%Spoken
90%Written