demoiselle

noun

dem·​oi·​selle ˌdem-wə-ˈzel How to pronounce demoiselle (audio)
1
: a young lady
2

Examples of demoiselle in a Sentence

fell in love with a pretty demoiselle from a neighboring village
Recent Examples on the Web Kirby Smith and Cassie Selden, a spirited demoiselle from Lynchburg, Virginia, married in 1861. Cynthia Greenlee, Smithsonian Magazine, 10 Jan. 2023 While sauntering through the presentation, which felt more like a spring picnic than fashion show (guests sipped on glasses of rosé and plucked strawberries from overflowing trays), one particularly striking demoiselle caught the eye. Jenna Rennert, Vogue, 11 Sep. 2018 The 2018 court included promenade girls, gallants, demoiselles, jewel-bearers and the queen. Sue Strachan, NOLA.com, 1 Apr. 2018 Assam Rhino Reserve will showcase the greater one-horned rhinos, Asian brown tortoises and demoiselle cranes. Seattle Times Staff, The Seattle Times, 9 Apr. 2018 After the final demoiselle was presented, the six curtseyed in unison to the audience. Sue Strachan, NOLA.com, 7 Jan. 2018 These historical figures were seated on the ballroom floor to receive les demoiselles. Sue Strachan, NOLA.com, 7 Jan. 2018

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'demoiselle.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

French, from Old French dameisele — more at damsel

First Known Use

1520, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of demoiselle was in 1520

Dictionary Entries Near demoiselle

Cite this Entry

“Demoiselle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/demoiselle. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

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