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 Words From

• post·debu·tante noun adjective

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

He says it can be traced as far back to 2014 when El Paso native Cristina Ibarra debuted “Las Marthas,” a film that follows Laredo’s high society set as they prepare for an annual debutante ball and pageant.

From Los Angeles Times

“The debutante ball,” said Lily.

From Literature

The heiress and debutante became involved in the IRA during the Troubles and masterminded an £8m fine art heist.

From BBC

An atavistic society ritual, a debutante’s ball for the M.F.A. debtset?

From New York Times

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