debutante

noun

deb·​u·​tante ˈde-byu̇-ˌtänt How to pronounce debutante (audio)
Synonyms of debutantenext
: 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
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At the time, a video circulated that appeared to show Apple crashing another debutante’s photoshoot during the glamorous soirée in Paris. Lara Walsh, InStyle, 16 Feb. 2026 Little White Lies by Jennifer Lynn Barnes For many Southern ladies, debutante balls are important and exciting milestones that mark their debut in society. Amanda Favazza, Southern Living, 6 Feb. 2026 In addition to her new lady in waiting Alice Mondrich (Emma Naomi), Queen Charlotte also now has a certain scribe to consult about gossip and shaping the debutante season. Dessi Gomez, Deadline, 30 Jan. 2026 The style hasn’t just been limited to campaign trail reporting, but has spread to stories on fashion, debutante balls — and even dog shows. Jacqui Palumbo, CNN Money, 17 Dec. 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 25 Feb. 2026.

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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