grande dame

noun

ˈgrän-ˈdäm 

plural grandes dames ˈgrän-ˈdäm(z)  also grande dames ˈgrän-ˈdäm(z) 

1

: a usually elderly woman of great prestige or ability

2

: granddaddy sense 2

Synonyms

• dowager
• matron

Examples of grande dame in a Sentence

the city's grandes dames still hold considerable sway in its cultural life

Recent Examples on the Web

The grande dame of the Italian Riviera may have got a little grander, but clearly, she’s lost none of her magic. —Liam Hess, Vogue, 18 June 2025

While the grande dames in this space come with equally grand price tags, a crop of independent, design-forward hotels that offer elegant interiors and high-end amenities at approachable price points have emerged. —Katharine Sohn, Architectural Digest, 16 June 2025

Both the younger crowd and the grandes dames betrayed an endearingly starstruck appreciation for the Liverpool cowboy. —Mark Leibovich, The Atlantic, 31 Mar. 2025

The Hotels The couple is said to be staying at the Aman, on the Grand Canal, the grande dame property where George and Amal Clooney were married, and rooms range from more than $3,000 to $32,000 nightly. —Beth Landman, HollywoodReporter, 21 June 2025

Word History

Etymology

French, literally, great lady

First Known Use

1775, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for grande dame

• aspartame
• counterclaim
• overcame
• underframe
• username
• acclaim
• aflame
• airframe
• ballgame
• became
• declaim
• defame