quinceañera

or quin·ce·a·ne·ra

[ keens-ah-nyair-uh ]

noun

1. (among Hispanics in Latin America and the U.S.) a celebration of a girl's fifteenth birthday, marking her transition from childhood to maturity.

Word History and Origins

Origin of quinceañera¹

First recorded in 1970–75; from Spanish, feminine of quinceañero “fifteen-year-old,” from quince “fifteen” (from Latin quīndecim ) + año “year” (from Latin annus ) + -ero adjective suffix (from Latin -ārius )

Example Sentences

In September 2019, he began dating Maya Henry, a 19-year-old model who made headlines as a teenager because her quinceañera cost $6 million.

From Los Angeles Times

It’s refreshing for Goodwin, who still recalls how embarrassed her chambelanes were to dance at her quinceañera.

From Los Angeles Times

David Cruz, owner of Fairytale Dance, a Santa Fe Springs quinceañera choreography studio founded in 2008, believes social media influencers are setting the tone for the new era of baile culture.

From Los Angeles Times

With the majority of his quinceañera clients requesting choreography for huapangos, tribal or banda, he also uses this tutorial to scout male chambelanes as prospective dancers for his company.

From Los Angeles Times

“Everybody remembers going to a quinceañera and falling asleep on like three chairs, so it’s like that same vibe,” he says, adding that the party helps people connect with their roots and celebrate who they are.

From Los Angeles Times