The Spanish noun quinceañera traditionally names the girl being honored at the celebration.
The word is feminine and is associated with a girl reaching her fifteenth birthday. In everyday usage, quinceañera can also refer to the celebration itself, especially in English-language discussions of the tradition.
The masculine counterpart commonly used for a boy is quinceañero. That adaptation is less widespread than the traditional feminine celebration and can vary in name and format among communities.
Quinceañera is often pronounced with the ñ sound in Spanish. The term should be distinguished from the names of attendants: damas and chambelanes refer to members of the court of honor, while a madrina is a sponsor or supportive adult in some celebrations.