debutante

noun

deb·​u·​tante ˈde-byu̇-ˌtänt 

: 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

The Deb tells the story of two female cousins navigating their awkward adolescence ahead of the annual debutante ball, which is like prom. —Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 12 May 2026

The Deb dispute is playing out across different fronts in Los Angeles and Australia, overshadowing the feel-good movie about outback teens attending a debutante ball. —Jake Kanter, Deadline, 28 Apr. 2026

At balls that approximate what Bridgerton might be like if the charming debutantes were matched with white-haired monsters instead of handsome, age-appropriate nobles, Commanders spike their prospective Wives’ drinks. —Judy Berman, Time, 8 Apr. 2026

In Black Atlanta communities, debutante balls like last weekend’s Pink Cultured Pearls Cotillion showcase excellence and elegance. —Aj Willingham, AJC.com, 8 Apr. 2026

Word History

Etymology

French débutante, feminine of débutant — see debutant

First Known Use

1801, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for debutante

• commandant
• confidant
• conodont
• nonchalant
• restaurant
• avant
• croissant
• detente
• entente
• passant
• savant
• storefront

Kids Definition

debutante

noun

deb·​u·​tante ˈdeb-yu̇-ˌtänt 

: a young woman making her debut