debutante

noun

deb·​u·​tante ˈde-byu̇-ˌtänt How to pronounce debutante (audio)
: one making a debut (see debut entry 1) : debutant
especially : a young woman making her formal entrance into society

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web The volleyball court In episode 6 of season 1, Belly and the rest of the debutantes host a volleyball tournament to raise money for charity. Kelsie Gibson, Peoplemag, 10 May 2023 Though some interior shots were filmed there as well, the actual debutante ball was filmed inside St. Mary Catholic School located in Wilmington. Kelsie Gibson, Peoplemag, 10 May 2023 The ultimate in social power, the ever-coiffed queen can make or break the chances of a young debutante with a word. Lauren Hubbard, Town & Country, 6 May 2023 The latest entry into the Bridgerton universe this prequel from Julia Quinn and Bridgerton executive producer Shonda Rhimes delves into the tale of the titular queen, whose debutante season serves as a centerpiece to the beloved romance series. Lauren Hubbard, townandcountrymag.com, 26 Apr. 2023 The horror novel follows 1950's debutante Noemí who travels from Mexico City to a massive mansion in the countryside to save her cousin from the enigmatic Doyle family. Theara Coleman, The Week, 22 Mar. 2023 As the series progresses, viewers see Belly find new love with Cam Cameron (David Iacono), navigate the ups and downs of friendship with her lifelong friend Taylor (Rain Spencer) and even be introduced to society as a debutante — an addition to the story that Han introduced. Julia Moore, PEOPLE.com, 17 June 2022 What had seemed almost polite, more a cotillion and less a battle, with the Jazz playing the role of the collective debutante, making their first appearance in fashionable society, announcing themselves as a legitimate threat among the NBA’s best teams, was put on hold. Gordon Monson, The Salt Lake Tribune, 26 Aug. 2020 Writer-director Zach Cregger’s script takes these various paint-by-number horror elements — a vulnerable debutante, an unfamiliar house, a hidden room — and colors outside the lines. Pat Padua, Washington Post, 7 Sep. 2022 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'debutante.' 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 débutante, feminine of débutant — see debutant

First Known Use

1801, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of debutante was in 1801

Dictionary Entries Near debutante

Cite this Entry

“Debutante.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/debutante. Accessed 3 Jun. 2023.

Kids Definition

debutante

noun
deb·​u·​tante ˈdeb-yu̇-ˌtänt How to pronounce debutante (audio)
: a young woman making her debut
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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