Refine this word faster

Stronger alternatives Opposite tone Use in context Cross-language nuance

Grande dame

//ˌɡɹɒ̃ ˈdɑːm// noun

Definitions

Noun
  1. 1
    A woman who is high-ranking, socially prominent, or has a dignified character, especially one who is advanced in age and haughty. also, attributive

    "In general the Continental, or at least the Belgian old women permit themselves a license of manners, speech, and aspect, such as our venerable grand-dames would recoil from as absolutely disreputable, […]"

  2. 2
    a middle-aged or elderly woman who is stylish and highly respected wordnet
  3. 3
    A woman who is accomplished and influential, and is a respected senior figure in a particular field; a doyenne. also, attributive

    "Died. Ruth St. Denis, 90, grande dame of modern dance, whose foresight and inspiration helped change the U.S. from a choreographic wasteland to what is today one of the world's foremost centers of dance; […]"

  4. 4
    A very highly regarded and well-known institution or structure, or large conveyance such as a ship. also, attributive, figuratively

    "Carlton […] Returned to its former glory, this is the grande dame of all Bilbao hotels."

Etymology

Borrowed from French grande dame, from grande (the feminine form of grand (“great, grand”)) + dame (“lady”). Doublet of grandam. The plural form grandes dames is borrowed from French grandes dames.

See also for "grande dame"

Synonyms Antonyms Rhymes Sentences Translate Word Type Pronunciation Word Forms

Next best steps

Find stronger synonymsSee usage examplesCheck pronunciation

Mini challenge

Unscramble this word: grandedame