belle

belle · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    A beautiful woman, especially the most beautiful at a social gathering.

  2. 2.

    (historical) A fashionable young woman of high society.

Forms

plural: belles

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    belle of the ball — The most beautiful or popular woman at a dance or party.
  • •
    Southern belle — A young woman embodying Southern charm and hospitality.

Related words

See also: beau, beautiful, beauty, bella
Synonyms: beauty, beauty queen, charmer

Etymology

From French belle ("beautiful"), feminine form of beau, from Latin bellus ("handsome, pretty").