débutante

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A young woman making her formal entrance into society: "débutante" refers to a young woman, typically from an aristocratic or upper-class background, who is presented to society at a formal event, often a debutante ball. This marks her transition into adulthood and eligibility for marriage in traditional social circles.

Usage Examples

• (The young woman made her formal societal debut.)
• (Young women entering high society often engage in philanthropic activities.)

Advanced Usage

• "débutante season": the period during which formal debutante events occur, often in the spring or autumn.

  • The débutante season in New York includes several prestigious balls. (The time of year when young women are formally introduced to society.)

• "débutante ball": a formal event where débutantes are presented.

  • She attended her débutante ball at a grand hotel. (The formal dance or ceremony for her societal introduction.)

Variants and Related Words

• Début (n): a first public appearance or performance.

  • The singer made her début at the local theatre. (Her first performance.)

• Débutant (n): a person making a first appearance in a particular capacity, especially in sports or the arts.

  • The tennis player was a débutant in the tournament. (A beginner or first-time participant.)

Synonyms

• Socialite: a person prominent in fashionable society.
• Ingénue: a young woman who is innocent or inexperienced, often used in theatrical contexts.

Related Idioms

• Make one's debut: to appear in public for the first time in a specific role or context.

  • She made her debut as a pianist at Carnegie Hall. (Her first public performance.)

• Come out: (informal) to be formally introduced to society, especially as a débutante.

  • She came out at the age of eighteen. (She was presented as a débutante.)