vedette

noun

ve·dette vi-ˈdet

variants or vidette

: a mounted sentinel stationed in advance of pickets

Examples of vedette 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.

Rico explains that there has been a change in demographics since vedettes shifted from the mainstream entertainment stage. —

Nicole Froio, refinery29.com, 24 Sep. 2024 But in 2024, vedettes are simply a relic of the past in Latin America. —

Nicole Froio, refinery29.com, 24 Sep. 2024 For another way to view the island, consider the ferry boats (called vedettes) that depart from rue de la Liberté in Fort-de-France and ride between the east coast’s marinas. —

Kristin Braswell, Travel + Leisure, 25 June 2024 That evening, a vedette was born. —

Lauren Michele Jackson, The New Yorker, 8 Aug. 2022

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from French, going back to Middle French, "watchtower, lookout in an elevated post," borrowed from Italian vedetta, alteration (crossed with vedere "to see") of veletta, perhaps borrowed from Spanish vela "watch, sentinel" (noun derivative of velar "to keep watch," going back to Latin vigilāre "to stay awake, be watchful") + Italian -etta, diminutive suffix — more at vigilant

First Known Use

circa 1611, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of vedette was circa 1611

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