vedette

noun

ve·​dette vi-ˈdet 

variants or vidette

: a mounted sentinel stationed in advance of pickets

Examples of vedette in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Rico explains that there has been a change in demographics since vedettes shifted from the mainstream entertainment stage. —Nicole Froio, refinery29.com, 24 Sep. 2024

But in 2024, vedettes are simply a relic of the past in Latin America. —Nicole Froio, refinery29.com, 24 Sep. 2024

For another way to view the island, consider the ferry boats (called vedettes) that depart from rue de la Liberté in Fort-de-France and ride between the east coast’s marinas. —Kristin Braswell, Travel + Leisure, 25 June 2024

That evening, a vedette was born. —Lauren Michele Jackson, The New Yorker, 8 Aug. 2022

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from French, going back to Middle French, "watchtower, lookout in an elevated post," borrowed from Italian vedetta, alteration (crossed with vedere "to see") of veletta, perhaps borrowed from Spanish vela "watch, sentinel" (noun derivative of velar "to keep watch," going back to Latin vigilāre "to stay awake, be watchful") + Italian -etta, diminutive suffix — more at vigilant

First Known Use

circa 1611, in the meaning defined above