English Reference
Noun

socialite

n.
C1 Advanced US /ˈsoʊʃəˌɫaɪt/ UK /sˈəʊʃəlˌaɪt/ so·cialite UK spelling socialites

n.a person who spends a lot of time at social events and parties. You usually use this word for someone who is very famous or wealthy and attends many high-end gatherings.

n.a person who is frequently present at social events, particularly those involving high society or the elite. Often carries a connotation of being a celebrity or having significant wealth.


SIMPLE

The socialite was seen at every major party last night.

CONTEXTUAL

As a prominent socialite, she has a large following on social media and attends many charity galas.

COMPLEX

While some view the socialite as a mere spectator of high society, others argue that such individuals play a vital role in maintaining the cultural and economic networks of the elite.


From social (“pertaining to high society”) + -ite, perhaps as a play on social light, in imitation of words in -ite.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Level C1 · Advanced
Frequency Occasional
Updated