débat

noun

dé·​bat
dāˈbä,
F dābȧ
plural -s
1
: a type of literary composition popular especially in medieval times in which two or more usually allegorical characters discuss or debate some subject compare tenson
2
: an extended discussion, debate, or philosophical argument between two characters in a work of literature

Word History

Etymology

French, literally, debate, strife, altercation, from Old French debat

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

  • More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
  • Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
  • Advanced search features
  • Ad free!

Dictionary Entries Near débat

Cite this Entry

“Débat.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/d%C3%A9bat. Accessed 25 Apr. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!