debutante

American  

[deb-yoo-tahnt, -tant] / ˈdɛb yʊˌtɑnt, -ˌtænt /

Or débutante

noun

1. a young woman making a debut into society.

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debutante British  

/ -ˌtænt, ˈdɛbjʊˌtɑːnt /

noun

1. a young woman of upper-class background who is presented to society, usually at a formal ball

2. a girl or young woman regarded as being upper-class, wealthy, and of a frivolous or snobbish social set

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Other Word Forms

• postdebutante
  noun

Etymology

Origin of debutante

1795–1805; < French; feminine of débutant debutant

Explanation

A debutante is usually a wealthy girl whose parents wish to introduce her to society in a BIG way — in "a debutante ball" that looks like something out of a scene from Gone with the Wind. In the United States, debutante balls usually, but not always, take place in the South and are a way to introduce wealthy young women to especially eligible young bachelors. The word debutante is derived from the French word debut, meaning “a first performance or showing.” The original French word debutante referred to a new actress making her first appearance on the stage. So, think of a debutante as a young woman making her debut in society.

Example Sentences

In 1971 Ms. Finke made her debut in society at the International Debutante Ball in New York.

From New York Times • Jan. 21, 2023

Bob Baffert’s filly has never really come off the bridle, for instance in the Debutante Stakes at Del Mar:

From The Guardian • Nov. 6, 2020

The International Debutante Ball, held every other December, has been the event at which generations of debutantes were presented — Astors, Vanderbilts, Rockefellers, princesses, daughters of presidents.

From New York Times • Feb. 13, 2020

Bast will certainly have her local backers following wins in the Debutante at Del Mar and the Chandelier at Santa Anita for Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert.

From Seattle Times • Oct. 31, 2019

Everyone knows that a Debutante only has one year nowadays, and if she doesn't go off in that year she's swept away by the flood of new Girls the next fall.

From Bab: a Sub-Deb by Rinehart, Mary Roberts