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

Ms. Henson, known for her acclaimed film and television work, is making her Broadway debut.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 26, 2026

Jones made her Red Roses debut at just 18, starting at fly-half in a 26-7 defeat by New Zealand in July 2015.

From BBC • Apr. 25, 2026

The introduction of the modern smartphone–crystallized by the 2007 debut of the iPhone–collapsed multiple devices into a single pocket-sized tool.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 24, 2026

Cal McMau’s feature directorial debut hardly reinvents the formula, but it does remind audiences what remains so sturdy about the premise of an ordinary man trying to stay alive behind bars.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 24, 2026

For weeks after each player made his debut, JonJon would talk nonstop about times he’d met each man, or games his team had played against theirs.

From "Fast Pitch" by Nic Stone

Related Words

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