Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day: "Bespoke" (December 23, 2025)

Episode Overview

This episode focuses on the adjective "bespoke," exploring its definition, usage, etymology, and evolution over time. Host Peter Sokolowski guides listeners through the word's origins, meaning, and its rising popularity in modern English.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Definition and Usage

• Bespoke is an adjective used to describe something custom made for a particular person or need.

  • "It describes something that is custom made, that is made to fit the needs or requirements of a particular person."
    – Peter Sokolowski [00:10]

• Example in Context:

  • "The vehicles are bespoke machines, with every little detail thought of, from embroidered seats to custom floor mats to retro paint jobs."
    – Quoted from gear.com [00:24]

2. Etymology & Historical Context

• Bespoke traces back to the verb bespeak, which in "the English language of yore" (olden times) had several meanings: "to speak, to accuse and to complain."
  – Peter Sokolowski [00:40]

• In the 16th century, bespeak acquired the meaning "to order," giving rise to the adjective bespoke, originally referring to custom-ordered clothing and items.
  – Peter Sokolowski [00:50]

3. Modern Usage and Trends

• The word has seen a "spike in usage in recent years," reflecting cultural trends favoring artisanal, custom-made goods over mass-produced items.
  • "Bespoke has enjoyed a spike in usage in recent years, perhaps due to consumer trends that champion all things artisanal over those that are prefab."
    – Peter Sokolowski [01:03]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On definition:
  "It describes something that is custom made, that is made to fit the needs or requirements of a particular person."
  – Peter Sokolowski [00:10]

• On language evolution:
  "In the 16th century, bespeak acquired another meaning, to order. It is from that sense that we get the adjective bespoke, referring to clothes and other things that are ordered before they are made."
  – Peter Sokolowski [00:50]

• On current appeal:
  "Bespoke has enjoyed a spike in usage in recent years, perhaps due to consumer trends that champion all things artisanal over those that are prefab."
  – Peter Sokolowski [01:03]

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 00:06 – Introduction of the word "bespoke," spelling, and definition
• 00:24 – Example sentence from gear.com
• 00:40 – Historical meanings of "bespeak"
• 00:50 – How "bespeak" evolved to "bespoke"
• 01:03 – Discussion of increased popularity and modern trends

Summary

Peter Sokolowski introduces "bespoke" as the word of the day, highlighting its customized, made-to-order meaning. He explains its linguistic journey from "bespeak," discusses how it shifted in usage, and reflects on why "bespoke" has become prominent in today's culture, emphasizing the modern appreciation for individuality and artisan craftsmanship.