grande dame

noun

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

Synonyms of grande dame

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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.
So far, so Agatha Christie, although that grande dame of whodunits stuck to human crime-solvers. — Frank Scheck, HollywoodReporter, 27 Apr. 2026 With few exceptions, the grande dame French Creole restaurants in New Orleans have been led by men for decades. — Beth D'addono, Southern Living, 4 Apr. 2026 With Paris’s hotel scene skewing more boutique by the minute, Lutetia’s masterful restoration reminds us that this has always been a grande dame city at its core. — Matt Ortile, Condé Nast Traveler, 3 June 2026 While the grande dames in this space come with equally grand price tags, a crop of independent, design-forward hotels that offer elegant interiors and high-end amenities at approachable price points have emerged. — Katharine Sohn, Architectural Digest, 20 Mar. 2026 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

Rhymes for grande dame

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Browse Nearby Words

grande champagne
grande dame
grandee
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Cite this Entry

“Grande dame.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/grande%20dame. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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