tailor

1 of 2

noun

tai·​lor ˈtā-lər How to pronounce tailor (audio)
Synonyms of tailor
: a person whose occupation is making or altering garments (such as suits, jackets, and dresses) typically to fit a particular person

tailor

2 of 2

verb

tailored; tailoring; tailors

transitive verb

1
a
: to make or fashion as the work of a tailor
b
: to make or adapt to suit a special need or purpose
2
: to fit with clothes
3
: to style with trim straight lines and finished handwork

intransitive verb

: to do the work of a tailor

Synonyms of tailor

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Verb

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Examples of tailor in a Sentence

Verb I had my suit tailored. They tailored the show for younger audiences.
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.
Noun
Last awards season, the gossip around town, salacious and disturbing in equal measure, was that hotel suites all over Hollywood were populated by tailors taking in gowns coming straight off the runway. — Marti Noxon, HollywoodReporter, 26 Aug. 2026 By tracking what retailers stock, click on and return, the platform tailors each shopping experience. — Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Footwear News, 26 Aug. 2026
Verb
This thoughtful evolution ensures this year’s NBC ceremony and future broadcasts remain deeply engaging and tailored to the television audience. — Joe Reid, Vulture, 29 Aug. 2026 Joe’s Sangeet outfit was tailored and hand-stitched by Lotus Bloom, and featured hot pink, black, and white beadwork that echoed the palette on Ramya’s lehenga. — Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 29 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for tailor

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English taillour, from Anglo-French taillur, from tailler, taillier to cut, from Late Latin taliare, from Latin talea plant cutting, thin piece of wood

First Known Use

Noun

13th century, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1719, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of tailor was in the 13th century

Phrases Containing tailor

Rhymes for tailor

See All Rhymes for tailor

Browse Nearby Words

tail of the eye
tailor
tailor's chair
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Tailor.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tailor. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

tailor

1 of 2 noun
tai·​lor ˈtā-lər How to pronounce tailor (audio)
: a person whose occupation is making or making adjustments in outer garments

tailor

2 of 2 verb
1
: to make or fashion as the work of a tailor
2
: to make or make suitable for a special need or purpose

More from Merriam-Webster on tailor

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about tailor

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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