cotillion
Cotillion (noun) means a formal social dance, historically French, often performed by young debutantes. Example: “She wore a white gown for her cotillion, marking her formal entry into society.”
How to use cotillion
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA formal ballroom dance, often associated with debutante events.
Word forms
cotillioned past tense, cotillions singular
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
She wore a white gown for her _____, marking her formal entry into society.
Etymology
From French cotillon, literally "petticoat" — named after the dance's habit of revealing the petticoat as dancers moved.
Synonyms
View more →Rhymes for cotillion
Frequently asked questions
What does “cotillion” mean?
The word “cotillion” means a formal social dance, historically French, often performed by young debutantes. In plain terms, a formal ballroom dance, often associated with debutante events.
How do you pronounce “cotillion”?
“Cotillion” is pronounced koh-tihl-YO (/koʊtɪlˈjɑ̃/ in IPA).
How do you use “cotillion” in a sentence?
Here is “cotillion” used in a sentence: “She wore a white gown for her cotillion, marking her formal entry into society.”
What part of speech is “cotillion”?
“Cotillion” is a noun.
Where does the word “cotillion” come from?
The word “cotillion” comes from French. From French cotillon, literally "petticoat" — named after the dance's habit of revealing the petticoat as dancers moved.