cotillon: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowFormal, Historical
Quick answer
What does “cotillon” mean?
A formal ball, especially one at which young women are presented to society.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A formal ball, especially one at which young women are presented to society.
A lively, intricate French dance for couples, popular in the 18th century; by extension, a complex dance figure or a kind of elaborate group dance. It can also refer to a formal debutante ball in modern American usage.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In British English, it is primarily a historical term for a type of dance. In American English, particularly in the Southern and Mid-Atlantic states, it retains contemporary social use for a formal ball where debutantes are presented.
Connotations
UK: Archaic, historical dance. US: Can be both historical (dance) and contemporary (a prestigious, traditional social event for young women).
Frequency
Rare in general UK English. Slightly more frequent in specific US regional and social contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “cotillon” in a Sentence
The [EVENT] (e.g., ball, dance) was a traditional cotillon.She was presented at the [PLACE] cotillon.They danced a cotillon.Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in historical or cultural studies discussing 18th-19th century social customs or dance history.
Everyday
Virtually unused in everyday conversation outside specific social circles in the US.
Technical
In dance terminology, refers to a specific set of figures within a quadrille or similar dance.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “cotillon”
- Misspelling as 'cotillion' (the more common English spelling) or 'cotilion'.
- Using it to refer to any party instead of a specific, highly formal ball.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, 'cotillon' is the original French spelling sometimes used in English, but 'cotillion' is the far more common Anglicized spelling.
Yes, but primarily in specific regional and social contexts in the United States, such as debutante balls in the South or in certain charitable societies.
Its primary modern purpose is as a formal social event where young women (debutantes) from particular families or social groups are introduced to society, often linked to philanthropy and tradition.
Traditionally, men act as escorts for the debutantes. Modern cotillons often include male debutants or escorts who also participate in the ceremony and dancing.
A formal ball, especially one at which young women are presented to society.
Cotillon is usually formal, historical in register.
Cotillon: in British English it is pronounced /kəˈtɪljɒ̃/, and in American English it is pronounced /koʊˈtɪljən/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None specific”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a COT with a million (sounds like 'tillyon') pillows - a very fancy, formal bed, just like a cotillon is a very fancy, formal ball.
Conceptual Metaphor
SOCIAL RITE OF PASSAGE IS A PERFORMANCE (e.g., 'She made her debut on the cotillon stage').
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'cotillon' most likely to be used correctly today?