grande dame
noun
plural grandes dames
ˈgrän-ˈdäm(z) 
also grande dames
ˈgrän-ˈdäm(z)
also grande dames
ˈgrän-ˈdäm(z)
1
: a usually elderly woman of great prestige or ability
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
Technically, LuPone, a grande dame of the American musical theatre, is playing Robyn, a mysterious New Yorker who is moving into Sharon’s spare bedroom.
—
Helen Shaw, The New Yorker, 19 Sep. 2024
In Integrated Ecosystem Burnett, also a Grammy and Tony winner, portrayed Norma in Apple’s Palm Royale, the grande dame of Palm Beach high society and keeper of secrets with more than a few of her own.
—Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 17 July 2024
Neoclassical grande dame Sofitel Legend Casco Viejo opened its doors in 2023 after a to-the-studs renovation of the Club Unión, constructed in 1917 as a social hub for the Panama City elite.
—Matt Ortile, Condé Nast Traveler, 16 Aug. 2024
Where to Stay and Sip Natural Wine in Austria
Vienna
Hotel Sacher Wien: The grande dame of Vienna hotels, subtly refreshed in 2018, remains a paragon of classical elegance.
—Kevin West, Travel + Leisure, 24 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for grande dame 
Helen Shaw, The New Yorker, 19 Sep. 2024
In Integrated Ecosystem Burnett, also a Grammy and Tony winner, portrayed Norma in Apple’s Palm Royale, the grande dame of Palm Beach high society and keeper of secrets with more than a few of her own.
—Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 17 July 2024
Neoclassical grande dame Sofitel Legend Casco Viejo opened its doors in 2023 after a to-the-studs renovation of the Club Unión, constructed in 1917 as a social hub for the Panama City elite.
—Matt Ortile, Condé Nast Traveler, 16 Aug. 2024
Where to Stay and Sip Natural Wine in Austria
Vienna
Hotel Sacher Wien: The grande dame of Vienna hotels, subtly refreshed in 2018, remains a paragon of classical elegance.
—Kevin West, Travel + Leisure, 24 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for grande dame
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'grande dame.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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Cite this Entry
“Grande dame.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/grande%20dame. Accessed 5 Oct. 2024.
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