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

Australian film star Rebel Wilson dismissed as "nonsense" claims she had bullied women on the set of her directorial debut film "The Deb", as she gave evidence in a Sydney court on Tuesday.

From Barron's • Apr. 28, 2026

Mr. Benet, a singer-songwriter making a creditable Broadway debut, has a supple and strong voice.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 28, 2026

The music on their debut album, “Ramones,” released 50 years ago this month, was so primitive that the 14 short tracks took just seven days and $6,400 to record.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 27, 2026

The Bridesmaids actress is being sued by a young Australian actress Charlotte MacInnes - who stars in Wilson's directorial debut, The Deb - over a series of Instagram posts in 2024 and 2025.

From BBC • Apr. 27, 2026

She had a debut after the Armistice, and in February she was presumably engaged to a man from New Orleans.

From " The Great Gatsby" by F. Scott Fitzgerald

Related Words

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