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

Bellingham shone in his debut season at the Bernabeu, scoring 19 goals in La Liga, but his form dipped slightly in 2024–25 as Madrid finished the campaign without a major trophy.

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The debut video of Entitled Housewife got millions of views on social media.

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The Germany international scored a goal on his debut against Wolves but was substituted in the second half after struggling with cramp.

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West End Girl marries all of those emotions to pithy, witty storytelling that's been Allen's trademark since her debut, Alright, Still in 2006.

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Hannah Hampton will miss England's friendly against Brazil on Saturday because of an elbow injury, meaning there will be a debut for one of the other goalkeepers in the squad.

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Related Words

• appearance 
• beginning 
• inauguration 
• introduction 
• launching www.thesaurus.com
• opener 
• presentation