Tailor means to adjust or modify something to fit specific needs or circumstances. When a teacher tailors a lesson to her students' interests, she adapts it so it works better for that particular group. When you tailor your book report to focus on adventure because you know your class loves action stories, you're shaping it for your audience.

A tailor is a person who makes, alters, or repairs clothing. A tailor measures your body carefully and adjusts a jacket so the sleeves are exactly the right length and the shoulders fit perfectly. Rather than wearing something off the rack that's made for an average person, you get clothing tailored to your unique measurements.

This idea of custom fitting extends beyond clothes. A coach might tailor practice drills to work on each player's weak spots. A good babysitter tailors activities to match the ages and personalities of the children. When something is tailor-made, it's designed for one specific purpose or person, fitting so perfectly it seems like it was created just for that situation.