1. a formal ball or dance, especially one for debutantes
2. a type of ballroom dance with elaborate steps and figures
Usage: historical

Examples

• She wore a beautiful gown to the cotillion.
• The debutante cotillion was held at the country club.
• Young ladies practiced their dance steps before the cotillion.
• The cotillion featured traditional ballroom dancing.
• Families spent months preparing for the annual cotillion.
• The cotillion dance required precise coordination between partners.