Plural of debutante; multiple young women making their first appearance in society.
French plural form of 'débutante,' with the '-s' ending typical of English plurals adapted from French nouns.
In 19th-century London, debutantes were ranked by the prestige of their families—the most important families had their daughters presented to the reigning monarch at special ceremonies called Drawing Rooms.
Debutantes were traditionally young women from wealthy families formally presented to society as marriageable; the institution reinforced women's role as objects of social display and exchange.
Use 'debuts,' 'debut performers,' or 'debutants' to include all genders; if referring to historical tradition, acknowledge its gender-exclusionary context.
["debut performers","debutants","debuts"]
Some debutantes subverted the tradition by using social access to champion philanthropy, political activism, and intellectual pursuits—turning a restrictive institution into platforms for influence.
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