bon ton

noun

(ˌ)bän-ˈtän How to pronounce bon ton (audio)
ˈbän-ˌtän
1
a
: fashionable manner or style
b
: the fashionable or proper thing
2
: high society

Examples of bon ton in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Watch the Full 2023 Met Gala Red Carpet Livestream A casual take on the bon ton attire that usually collects around these kinds of events, the look compounded the insouciance of Watson’s Wimbledon outfits: the sleeveless button ups and sculptural Loewe heels, and the Oscar de la Renta minidresses. Daniel Rodgers, Vogue, 6 Sep. 2023 While high fashion was the playground of the bon ton, all social classes gathered aux courses, at the races. Laird Borrelli-Persson, Vogue, 28 Sep. 2020

Word History

Etymology

French, literally, good tone

First Known Use

1747, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of bon ton was in 1747

Dictionary Entries Near bon ton

Cite this Entry

“Bon ton.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bon%20ton. Accessed 15 Dec. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!