Bachelorette

A bachelorette is an unmarried woman, typically contrasted with a bachelor. The term is formed with the feminine suffix -ette and is used in various social and cultural contexts to describe a woman who has not yet married. In English-speaking countries, the word is often associated with social events and discussions about dating and marriage.

In popular culture, the term is closely linked to the reality television franchise The Bachelorette. The American show, broadcast on ABC, premiered in 2003 as a spin-off of The Bachelor. The premise centers on a single woman who dates a group of men over several weeks, culminating in ceremonies and eliminations, with the goal of selecting a potential fiancé or long-term partner. The lead may receive rose invitations as a signal to continue dating, and the season typically ends with a final decision, which may or may not involve an engagement. The show has featured multiple lead women and has used a variety of hosts over the years, with different seasons exploring new formats and dynamics.

The Bachelorette has inspired international adaptations and related dating formats, contributing to a broader franchise around dating competition in reality television. It has influenced audience discussions about relationships, gender dynamics, and reality-TV production, while also drawing criticism related to sensationalism, manufactured drama, and the portrayal of romance.

Outside of television, the term bachelorette also appears in contexts such as bachelorette parties, a pre-wedding celebration for the bride-to-be. The concept of bachelor and bachelorette status remains a common shorthand in conversations about dating and marriage.