bon ton

noun

(ˌ)bän-ˈtän How to pronounce bon ton (audio)
ˈbän-ˌtän
1
a
: fashionable manner or style
b
: the fashionable or proper thing
2
: high society

Examples of bon ton in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The costumes with wired lampshade tunics that Poiret created in 1913 for a play called The Minaret, crossed over the footlights and were adopted by the bon ton. Laird Borrelli-Persson, Vogue, 7 July 2025

Word History

Etymology

French, literally, good tone

First Known Use

1747, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of bon ton was in 1747

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Bon ton.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bon%20ton. Accessed 10 Sep. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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