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.

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

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

   2 more examples

   "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."

   1876, Louisa May Alcott, chapter 2, in Rose in Bloom

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

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

2. humoroussometimesA party in celebration of someone who is gay coming out of the closet.