debut

or dé·but

[ dey-byoo, dih-, dey-byoo, deb-yoo ]

noun

1. a first public appearance on a stage, on television, etc.
2. the first appearance of something, as a new product.
3. (of a young woman) a formal introduction and entrance into society, as at an annual ball.
4. the beginning of a profession, career, etc.

verb (used without object)

1. to make a debut, as in society or in a performing art:

   She decided to debut with several other violinists.

2. to appear for the first time, as on the market:

   A new product will debut next month.

verb (used with object)

1. to perform (something) for the first time before an audience:

   He didn't know when the orchestra would debut his new symphony.

2. to place on the market for the first time; introduce.

adjective

1. of, relating to, or constituting a first appearance:

   a debut performance; a debut record album.

debut

/ ˈdeɪbjuː; ˈdɛbjuː /

noun

1. 1. the first public appearance of an actor, musician, etc, or the first public presentation of a show
   2. ( as modifier )

      debut album

2. the presentation of a debutante

verb

1. to make a debut

Word History and Origins

Origin of debut¹

1745–55; < French début, derivative of débuter to make the first stroke in a game, make one's first appearance, equivalent to dé- de- + -buter, verbal derivative of but goal; butt ²

Word History and Origins

Origin of debut¹

C18: from French début, from Old French desbuter to play first (hence: make one's first appearance), from des- de- + but goal, target; see butt ²

Example Sentences

To be clear, the movie will début in Cannes, not "at" Cannes.

From The Daily Beast

His directorial début, starring the young French YSL-lookalike Pierre Niney, was released in theaters throughout France last week.

From The Daily Beast

I was proud of my début as an arbitrator, especially as it was rewarded by, what seemed to me then, a very handsome fee.

From Project Gutenberg

On the fourth day of the proceedings I made my début as a Parliamentary witness.

From Project Gutenberg

He was still quite young, and he had wished for this strange rôle in which to make his début.

From Project Gutenberg

He succeeded, and made his début at a concert at Vienna with the most flattering applause.

From Project Gutenberg

Our début was made upon the stage, which we examined in its various parts and appendages while the ballet practice was proceeding.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• appearance
• beginning
• inauguration
• introduction
• launching
• opener
• presentation