Debutant vs. Debutante — What's the Difference?

A person (especially a male) who débuts, or appears for the first time.

A debutante (from French: débutante, "female beginner") or deb is a young woman of aristocratic or upper-class family background who has reached maturity and, as a new adult, comes out into society at a formal "debut" or possibly debutante ball. Originally, the term meant that the woman was old enough to be married, and part of the purpose of her coming out was to display her to eligible bachelors and their families, with a view to marriage within a select circle.

A person who makes his (or her) first appearance before the public.

A young woman making a formal debut into society.

A young woman who makes her first formal appearance in society.

A female debutant, especially in sport and entertainment.

A young woman making her first appearance in society, especially one who is one of the honorees at a debutante cotillion. See cotillion{4}.

A young woman making her debut into society