Debutante Meaning and Definition

Pronunciation

/dibˈʊtɑːnt/ 🔊

Part of Speech

Noun

Definition

A young woman of high social class, especially one who is introduced to society at a formal ball and is considered eligible for marriage.

Etymology

The word “debutante” comes from the French word “débutante”, which means “a beginner” or “a novice”. It has been used in English since the 17th century to describe a young woman making her social debut.

Examples

• The 19-year-old princess was presented as a debutante at the royal ball.
• The debutante season was a highly anticipated social event, with many young women vying for attention.

Synonyms

• Ingénue
• Damsel

Antonyms

• Mature
• Experienced

Additional Information

The tradition of presenting young women as debutantes dates back to the 17th century in Europe, particularly in Britain and France. It was seen as a way for families to demonstrate their social status and to secure advantageous marriages for their daughters.

Over time, the custom of debutante balls has evolved to include various social events, such as luncheons and teas, where young women can mingle with eligible bachelors and other high-society guests.

Today, the term “debutante” is still used to describe young women who are making their social debut, although the tradition has become less formalized and more inclusive, with many young women from diverse backgrounds participating in debutante programs and events.

Debutante balls and events can provide valuable opportunities for young women to develop social skills, build relationships, and gain experience in navigating high-society situations.

However, some critics argue that the tradition of debutante balls can be seen as elitist and exclusive, reinforcing social class divisions and limiting opportunities for young women from lower socio-economic backgrounds.

Usage Notes

The term “debutante” is typically used to describe a young woman from a high-social-class background. It can also refer to a younger debut in certain performances like movies.

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Cultural References

• The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald
• The Debutante Ball by Georgette Heyer
• Debutante by Emily Schultz

Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases

• “Making her debut”
• “A debutante ball”

Related Words or Phrases

Ingénue, Damsel, Comeout, Socialite

Collocations

Debutante ball, debutante season, debutante luncheon, debutante tea

Frequency of Use

The term “debutante” is relatively rare in modern language, although it is still used in certain contexts, such as high-society events and historical fiction novels.

Common Misspellings

• Debutantes
• Debutant
• Double debut