ENGLISH
REFERENCE

boutique

n. · adj.
US //buˈtik// UK //buːtˈiːk// bou·tique
  1. 1 fashionable shop (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    a small shop that sells stylish clothes, jewelry, or expensive gifts.

    a small retail establishment specializing in fashionable clothing, accessories, or luxury goods.

    Example

    She bought a unique silk scarf from a little boutique in the city centre.

    Example

    The historic district is now lined with high-end boutiques that cater to tourists looking for artisanal crafts and designer labels.
  2. 2 small and specialized (adj.)
    C1 Advanced Academic Formal

    describing a small company that offers high-quality, specialized services to a small number of people.

    relating to a small, specialized business that provides bespoke services or niche products to a limited clientele.

    Example

    They hired a boutique marketing agency to help launch their new brand.

    Example

    The firm decided to move its assets to a boutique investment bank that offered more personalized wealth management strategies than the larger institutions.

    Usage

    Usually placed before the noun it describes.
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  1. 3 film production (n.)
    C1 Advanced Technical Theatre

    a small film company that only makes a few movies each year.

    a small-scale film production company or distributor that focuses on a limited number of high-quality or artistic projects annually.

    Example

    The director signed a deal with a boutique studio to produce her next documentary.

    Example

    While the major studios focused on summer blockbusters, several boutique distributors dominated the independent film circuit this season.
    • major studio
Origin

Borrowed from French boutique. Doublet of apotheke and bodega.

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