1. formal balls or elaborate dances, especially those featuring intricate figures and steps
Usage: historical; formal social events
2. debutante balls or coming-out parties for young women in high society
Usage: social tradition; upper class

Examples

• The wealthy families attended several cotillions during the social season.
• She practiced her dance steps for weeks before the cotillion.
• The grand ballroom hosted elaborate cotillions every spring.
• Young debutantes were presented to society at the annual cotillions.
• The cotillions featured orchestras and formal dinner service.
• Historical cotillions included complex group dances with specific patterns.