debutante

Or déb·u·tante

[deb-yoo-tahnt, -tant]

noun

1. a young woman making a debut into society.

debutante

/ -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

Other Word Forms

• postdebutante noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of debutante¹

1795–1805; < French; feminine of débutant debutant

Word History and Origins

Origin of debutante¹

C19: from French, from débuter to lead off in a game, make one's first appearance; see _debut

Example Sentences

At its best, Orange County comes across as well-groomed, generous of creature comforts, pretty in a standardized, debutante fashion, in part from master planning that has become a worldwide model.

From Los Angeles Times

The changes Han introduced to the series included new and expanded characters, the Season 1 debutante ball and a four-year time jump.

From Los Angeles Times

As a beautiful, wealthy debutante, Katharine was introduced to many of the most eligible young men of the 1950s - and she met Prince Edward, Duke of Kent, a grandson of George V.

From BBC

In “By Invitation Only,” fashion takes center stage as the girls prepare for their debutante debuts.

From Los Angeles Times

In reply, West Indies openers Hayley Matthews and Qiana Joseph started positively with a stand of 91 in 14 overs, before debutante Em Arlott claimed the prized wicket of Matthews for 48.

From BBC