Definition of the word debutante

The term "debutante" originated in the 17th century in France. The word "debut" means "to begin" or "to make a debut," and "dame" means "lady." Initially, the term referred to a young woman's first public appearance, often at a social gathering or a ball. Over time, the term took on a more specific meaning, referring to a young woman from a high-society family who was presented to the public for the first time at a formal ball, known as a "debutante ball." The debutante was typically between the ages of 17 and 20 and was expected to be a virginal and respectable young woman from a good family. The tradition was popular among the aristocracy and upper classes in Europe and the United States, but its popularity has declined in recent decades.