vedette

noun

ve·​dette vi-ˈdet How to pronounce vedette (audio)
variants or vidette
: a mounted sentinel stationed in advance of pickets

Examples of vedette in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web That evening, a vedette was born. Lauren Michele Jackson, The New Yorker, 8 Aug. 2022

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'vedette.' 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

borrowed from French, going back to Middle French, "watchtower, lookout in an elevated post," borrowed from Italian vedetta, alteration (crossed with vedere "to see") of veletta, perhaps borrowed from Spanish vela "watch, sentinel" (noun derivative of velar "to keep watch," going back to Latin vigilāre "to stay awake, be watchful") + Italian -etta, diminutive suffix — more at vigilant

First Known Use

circa 1611, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of vedette was circa 1611

Dictionary Entries Near vedette

Cite this Entry

“Vedette.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/vedette. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

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