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Apothecaries, Bodegas, and Boutiques
Apothecary, bodega, and boutique may not look very similar, but they are all related both in meaning and in origin. Each of these words can be traced back to a Latin word for “storehouse” (apotheca), and each one refers in English to a retail establishment of some sort. Although bodega initially meant “a storehouse for wine,” it now most commonly refers to a grocery store in an urban area, especially one that specializes in Hispanic groceries. Boutique has also taken on new meanings: its first sense in English (“a small retail store”) is still current, but it now may also denote “a small company that offers highly specialized products or services.” Of the three words, apothecary has changed the least; it has gone from referring solely to the person who sells drugs or medicines to also naming the store where such goods are sold.
Examples of boutique in a Sentence
Mack Swenson, Southern Living, 29 Apr. 2024
Penélope Cruz is a face of the label; price upon request, at select Chanel boutiques
Hermès
Les Mains limited-edition Ultraviolet nail polish; $60, hermes.com
Irene Neuwirth
Gemmy Gem tourmaline and kunzite ring in 18-karat gold.
—Carol McColgin, The Hollywood Reporter, 27 Apr. 2024
Located on the sunny South Shore, this 121-room boutique resort with unobstructed views sits on Poipu Beach, a stretch of golden sand and sea known for top-notch snorkeling, diving, and surfing.
—Alesandra Dubin, Travel + Leisure, 26 Apr. 2024
In an Instagram post from her boutique Envy by MG, it’s confirmed that Gorga was indeed wearing the same Sau Lee ensemble consisting of the Zahara style top and skirt, both of which are sold at Gorga’s Ridgewood, New Jersey store.
—Catherine Santino, Peoplemag, 26 Apr. 2024
Read More On: boutique Grand Seiko Watch Collector Like this article?
—Allen Farmelo, Robb Report, 25 Apr. 2024
Amenities: Pool, restaurants, bar, fitness center, spa, tennis courts, boutique
Bonus Top: Ask the concierge about booking a horseback ride through the slopes of the pre-Alps at sunset.
—Monica Mendal, Vogue, 24 Apr. 2024
While many other tasting rooms will offer some of their most popular wines to offer, Vintner’s is a great boutique place to zero in one of your favorite varieties.
—Shelby Stewart, Essence, 24 Apr. 2024
Lenox is famous for its charming downtown area dotted with eclectic boutiques and one-of-a-kind shops.
—Lauren Dana Ellman, Travel + Leisure, 16 Apr. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'boutique.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near boutique
Cite this Entry
“Boutique.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/boutique. Accessed 3 May. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
boutique
noun
from French boutique "shop"
Legal Definition
boutique
noun
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