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

Webster and Hopkins’s unique creation invites readers to stand in for the three main characters— the debutante Helen; the caddish Jed; and the good guy Saunders—as these hapless young people confront romantic and ethical conundrums.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 14, 2025

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 • Sep. 5, 2025

But as the apps are trying to monetize their matchmaking—and some users now with a whole decade of striking out under their belts—old-fashioned meet-cutes-in-bars or, say, debutante balls look more and more appealing.

From Slate • Feb. 14, 2024

But those two opponents were among the lowest-ranked teams in the tournament, with Zambia a World Cup debutante.

From Seattle Times • Aug. 4, 2023

Would coming out as a debutante be so bad?

From "The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate" by Jacqueline Kelly