grande dame

noun

plural grandes dames ˈgrän-ˈdäm(z) How to pronounce grande dame (audio) also grande dames ˈgrän-ˈdäm(z) How to pronounce grande dame (audio)
1
: a usually elderly woman of great prestige or ability
2

Examples of grande dame in a Sentence

the city's grandes dames still hold considerable sway in its cultural life
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.
The Bizarre Bazaar is the grande dame of Richmond-area holiday markets. Karri Peifer, Axios, 5 Dec. 2024 This November, Vogue asked five cultural figures known for their eye-catching aesthetics—from James Beard Award-winning chefs, to fashion designers, to society grande dames—to create an inspirational tablescape for Vogue. Elise Taylor, Vogue, 19 Nov. 2024 Where to Stay The Hermitage has been the grande dame of Nashville hotels since 1910 (231 6th Ave. N., nightly rates from $599). Jessica Ritz, The Hollywood Reporter, 18 Nov. 2024 French Riviera grande dame Carlton Cannes was transformed into a Regent hotel in 2023 after an extensive renovation, and Regent Bali Canggu will debut in the coming months. Jennifer Kester, Forbes, 29 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for grande dame 

Word History

Etymology

French, literally, great lady

First Known Use

1775, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of grande dame was in 1775

Dictionary Entries Near grande dame

Cite this Entry

“Grande dame.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/grande%20dame. Accessed 15 Dec. 2024.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

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