cotillion

American  

[kuh-til-yuhn, koh-] / kəˈtɪl yən, koʊ- /

noun

1. a formal ball given especially for debutantes.

2. a lively French social dance originating in the 18th century, consisting of a variety of steps and figures and performed by couples.

3. any of various dances resembling the quadrille.

4. music arranged or played for these dances.

5. a formalized dance for a large number of people, in which a head couple leads the other dancers through elaborate and stately figures.

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cotillion British  

/ kəˈtɪljən, kəʊ- /

noun

1. a French formation dance of the 18th century

2. a quadrille

3. a complicated dance with frequent changes of partners

4. a formal ball, esp one at which debutantes are presented

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Etymology

Origin of cotillion

1760–70; < French cotillon kind of dance, in Old French: petticoat, equivalent to cote coat + -illon diminutive suffix

Explanation

A cotillion is either a dance that originated in France in the 18th century or a ball where debutantes are presented. The earliest sense of this word goes back to France and the 1700's: this cotillion was a dance with complicated steps and movements. This was a quick, lively sort of dance that must have been a lot of fun back in the day. More recently, a cotillion became the name of a ball (dance event) in the United States. Debutantes — young society ladies — are presented at cotillions. So when you think of cotillions, think of fancy-schmancy dances and high society.

Example Sentences

The courtly gentleman guided women around the floor to big band standards with all the aplomb of teenage boys waltzing at a cotillion dance they’ve been forced to attend by their parents.

From Salon • Jul. 4, 2025

This is a business relationship, not a cotillion.

From Washington Post • Jul. 12, 2022

Speaking of dancing, “Sheaves of Wheat” radiates all the formal elegance of a rustic cotillion, a marvelous panoramic close-up of bundled, golden wheat casting pale blue shadows.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 1, 2022

I hope the villain reveals him- or herself and you can cut them socially at your next cotillion.

From Slate • Apr. 15, 2019

I attended a cotillion last night at the palace.

From "Ella Enchanted" by Gail Carson Levine