debut

American  

[dey-byoo, dih-, dey-byoo, deb-yoo] / deɪˈbyu, dɪ-, ˈdeɪ byu, ˈdɛb yu /

Or début

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.

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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 British  

/ 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

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verb

1. to make a debut

Etymology

Origin of debut

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; see butt ²

Explanation

A debut is a first appearance, a launch, or public introduction. So before you make your big debut at the office, check and make sure you don't have spinach in your teeth. Perhaps you’ve heard of debutantes making their official debut into society, or actresses and actors making their debut on stage. A fun fact: debut and premiere are often thought to be interchangeable, but they’re not. A debut, as you now know, is a first public appearance. But a premiere, while also a “first,” isn't necessarily live. When a movie opens or an interview is broadcast for the first time, they're called premieres.

Example Sentences

“Passing Strange” never made it to L.A. after its 2008 Broadway debut.

From Los Angeles Times • May 7, 2026

Though he averages only 17.25 in eight first-class matches for Bihar, having made his debut aged 12, he has two centuries in under-19 Tests against Australia.

From BBC • May 7, 2026

Making her debut in state propaganda - she was reportedly just nine years old at the time - Ju Ae was already dressed to impress.

From BBC • May 5, 2026

Legence, an EPC that spun out of Blackstone last year, has also soared, roughly tripling since its debut.

From Barron's • May 4, 2026

Richard Strauss conducted the enormous orchestra in the debut of his Olympic Hymn.

From "The Boys in the Boat: Nine Americans and Their Epic Quest for Gold at the 1936 Berlin Olympics" by Daniel James Brown

Related Words

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