CultureJuly 7, 2026

debutante

/ˈdɛbjʊtɑːnt/

Definition

A young woman making her formal entrance into high society, typically during a ceremonial event such as a debutante ball.

Etymology

Derived from the French word 'débutante,' meaning 'a female beginner,' which is the feminine form of 'débutant.' It entered English in the early 19th century to describe young women making their formal debut in social circles.

In the news

The term is used to describe a specific social event in Sacramento where the Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority opened their 60th season of hosting formal coming-out presentations for young women. It highlights the cultural and social traditions occurring alongside other community news.

Music Meets Action As Mustard Headlines New X Games League Event

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The Sacramento Observer

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