1. Plural of cotillon; a lively ballroom dance popular in the 18th and 19th centuries, typically performed by four couples in a square formation.
Usage: historical; often capitalized when referring to the specific dance form
2. Plural of cotillon; a formal ball or party, especially one held as a debutante event or social gathering.
Usage: chiefly North American; social event

Examples

• The orchestra played several cotillons during the evening's entertainment.
• Young debutantes were presented at the annual cotillons held in the city.
• The historical society demonstrated the steps of traditional cotillons from the Victorian era.
• Cotillons were a popular form of social dancing among the aristocracy.
• The ballroom was decorated elegantly for the cotillons scheduled throughout the season.