as in dowager
a dignified usually elderly woman of some rank or authority
the city's grandes dames still hold considerable sway in its cultural life
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Recent Examples of grande dame
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
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Cite this Entry
“Grande dame.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/grande%20dame. Accessed 23 Nov. 2024.
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