coming-out party

coming-out party (plural coming-out parties)

1. A celebratory social gathering, with music, dancing, and refreshments, at which a young debutante is formally introduced to society.
   • 1876, Louisa May Alcott, chapter 2, in Rose in Bloom:

     "Now tell me, when do you mean to have your coming-out party? I ask because I've nothing ready and want plenty of time, for I suppose it will be the event of the season."

   • 1914, Kathleen Norris, chapter 3, in Saturday's Child:

     "Julie left Miss Bence's School at seventeen, had a coming-out party in our city house the following winter."

   • 1920, Lucy Maud Montgomery, chapter 4, in Further Chronicles of Avonlea:

     "I'll give her a real coming-out party when she's eighteen and the very prettiest dress that's to be had."

2. (sometimes humorous) A party in celebration of someone who is gay coming out of the closet.