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Synonyms

socialite

American  
[soh-shuh-lahyt] / ˈsoʊ ʃəˌlaɪt /

noun

  1. a socially prominent person.


socialite British  
/ ˈsəʊʃəˌlaɪt /

noun

  1. a person who is or seeks to be prominent in fashionable society

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of socialite

First recorded in 1925–30; social + -ite 1

Explanation

A socialite is someone who spends a lot of time in fashionable social circles. A socialite gets invited to all the best parties and says yes to all of them. When you talk to other people, you're being social. A socialite is a person who loves being social, especially in circles that are in the public eye. A socialite goes to the fanciest parties and the most expensive restaurants. A socialite dates famous people and goes where photographers can take their picture. A socialite is always making the scene. In many ways, socialites are the opposite of hermits or recluses.

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Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The socialite moved to the property just two years after her marriage to Trump ended after 15 years.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 17, 2026

In 2021, he took part in a TV show featuring socialite and entrepreneur Kim Kardashian, where he built a bunker for her California home.

From Barron's • Mar. 12, 2026

Lawson was one of four children born to politician Nigel Lawson and socialite Vanessa Salmon, growing up in London before studying languages at Oxford University.

From BBC • Feb. 14, 2026

The colorful Moira Rose was a city socialite and former soap opera star before her family’s fortune turned and they wound up living in “the sticks,” surrounded by simple folk.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 30, 2026

The climax of Madame Curie’s visit was a glittering reception at the White Elouse attended by Meloney and the cream of Washington society, including Theodore Roosevelt’s socialite daughter Alice Roosevelt Longworth.

From "Big Science" by Michael Hiltzik