noun

socialite

SOH-shuh-lyte/ˈsəʊʃəlaɪt/

A socially prominent person active in fashionable society.

The socialite attends the museum's annual gala.

A well-dressed wealthy adult socialite greets guests at tasteful formal reception, elegant clothes and discreet jewelry, no brands or excess caricature.

Etymology

sociLatincompanion, ally

+alLatinrelating to

+iteEnglishperson connected with or belonging to

The companion base developed through social into a special sense concerning fashionable society. Socialite names someone prominent in that world, perhaps coined as a play on “social light” and in imitation of words ending in -ite.

In context

socialiteslife0:17

I'm definitely not a socialite

A Socialite's Life at the Emmys

More examples

Several well-known socialites appear in the party photographs.
She became a socialite after moving into the city's fashionable circles.
The magazine follows the socialite's busy calendar of events.

Forms

socialite · socialites