# boutique

/buˈtik/ (US) · /buːtˈiːk/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/boutique
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. fashionable shop

noun · CEFR B2

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

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

- She bought a unique silk scarf from a little boutique in the city centre.
- The historic district is now lined with high-end boutiques that cater to tourists looking for artisanal crafts and designer labels.

### 2. small and specialized

adjective · CEFR C1 · Academic · Formal

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

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

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

### 3. film production

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

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

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

- The director signed a deal with a boutique studio to produce her next documentary.
- While the major studios focused on summer blockbusters, several boutique distributors dominated the independent film circuit this season.

## Examples

- She bought a silk scarf at the boutique.
- The boutique on Main Street sells vintage dresses and handmade jewelry.
- Unlike mass-market retailers, the boutique curated a limited selection of artisanal goods to appeal to discerning customers seeking unique fashion statements.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.