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

Hernández said he initially tweaked his oblique before his season debut, during batting practice Monday.

From Los Angeles Times • May 28, 2026

Baron’s prospects could brighten if SpaceX shares soar next month in what’s expected to be the biggest-ever stock-market debut.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 27, 2026

Harding, 50, who currently serves as director of Italy's Accademia Nazionale di Santa Cecilia, will make his Los Angeles debut in the 2027/2028 season.

From Barron's • May 26, 2026

Sources close to London City Lionesses, who finished sixth in their debut season in the Women's Super League, say there is confidence they can strike a deal to bring Putellas to the club this summer.

From BBC • May 26, 2026

Billingsley’s starting debut had been just the opposite; it was hardly the kind of game that would make him a legend alongside Charlie, or anyone else for that matter.

From "Friday Night Lights: A Town, A Team, And A Dream" by H.G. Bissinger

Related Words

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