cotillion

UK: /kəˈtɪljən/ US: /kəˈtɪljən, koʊ-/ ,(kə til′yən, kō-)

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2026

co•til•lion /kəˈtɪlyən, koʊ-/   n. [countable]

1. Music and Dance a formal ball for young society women.
2. Music and Dance any of various dances in which a head couple leads the other dancers through elegant steps or patterns.

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2026

co•til•lion  (kə til′yən, kō-), n. 

1. Music and Dance a formal ball given esp. for debutantes.
2. Music and Dance a lively French social dance originating in the 18th century, consisting of a variety of steps and figures and performed by couples.
3. Music and Dance any of various dances resembling the quadrille.
4. Music and Dance music arranged or played for these dances.
5. Music and Dance a formalized dance for a large number of people, in which a head couple leads the other dancers through elaborate and stately figures.

• French cotillon kind of dance, in Old French: petticoat, equivalent. to cote coat + -illon diminutive suffix
• 1760–70

Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::

cotillion, cotillon / kəˈtɪljən kəʊ-/ noun

1. a French formation dance of the 18th century
2. a quadrille
3. a formal ball, esp one at which debutantes are presented

Etymology: 18th Century: from French cotillon dance, from Old French: petticoat, from cote coat