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

Examples of debutante 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.
Though some interior shots were filmed there as well, the actual debutante ball was filmed inside St. Mary Catholic School in Wilmington. Kelsie Gibson, People.com, 17 July 2025 Which begs the question: Did Whelchel have her own coming out debutante ball while growing up? Dalton Ross, EW.com, 17 June 2025 Game nights in massive libraries; debutante balls swirling around marble fountains. Literary Hub, 4 June 2025 Expectations As with any debutante, Poland should be proud of qualifying for the tournament itself. Neel Shelat, Forbes.com, 27 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for debutante

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

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Cite this Entry

“Debutante.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/debutante. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

debutante

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

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