tailor

1 of 2

noun

tai·​lor ˈtā-lər 

: 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

Verb

• acclimate
• acclimatize
• accommodate
• adapt
• adjust
• condition
• conform
• doctor
• edit
• fashion
• fit
• put
• shape
• suit

Examples of tailor in a Sentence

Verb

I had my suit tailored.

They tailored the show for younger audiences.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

As for the cooking: Namba and his team are hand-stitching two cuisines like master tailors. —Bill Addison, Los Angeles Times, 12 Jan. 2025

Researchers like me are using AI to develop tools that help clinicians analyze all this data to tailor diagnoses and treatment plans to each individual. —Aaron J. Masino, The Conversation, 10 Jan. 2025

Verb

In another example, Phoenix Children's and Philips Healthcare partnered to co-create innovative solutions tailored to pediatric imaging. —Chandler Barron, Forbes, 13 Jan. 2025

No matter your sport of choice, this list has the outdoor gear tailored to your winter pursuits. —Christopher Murray, Fox News, 13 Jan. 2025

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

Phrases Containing tailor

• custom-tailor
• tailor-made

Kids Definition

tailor

1 of 2 noun

tai·​lor ˈtā-lər 

: 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