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debut

or dé·but

[dey-byoo, di-, dey-byoo, deb-yoo]
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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.
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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.
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adjective
  1. of, relating to, or constituting a first appearance: a debut performance; a debut record album.
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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 butt2
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Related Words

introductionbeginninginaugurationappearancepresentationopenerentranceincomingadmissiongraduationbowinitiationgraduatingentree

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British Dictionary definitions for debut

debut

noun
    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 (intr)
  1. to make a debut
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Word Origin

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
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for debut

n.

1751, from French début "first appearance," a figurative use from débuter "make the first stroke at billiards," also "to lead off at bowls" (a game akin to bowling), 16c., from but "mark, goal," from Old French but "end" (see butt (n.3)). The verb is first attested 1830.

Début can only be pronounced as French, and should not be used by anyone who shrinks from the necessary effort. [Fowler]
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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper