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

Example Sentences

Yes, another savage debutante season is upon us as matchmaking mayhem descends on Bridgerton once more.

From BBC • Jan. 29, 2026

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

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

Seattle defeated the MLS debutante 3-0 at Lumen Field in April.

From Seattle Times • Oct. 20, 2023

Somehow, despite my disorientation, my debutante training kicked in—the idea that first impressions were crucial for social currency.

From "The Brightwood Code" by Monica Hesse