debutant

American  

[deb-yoo-tahnt, -yuh-] / ˈdɛb jʊˌtɑnt, -jə- /

Or débutant

noun

1. a person who makes a debut into a professional career or before the public.

---

debutant British  

/ ˈdɛbjʊˌtɑːnt, -ˌtænt /

noun

1. a person who is making a first appearance in a particular capacity, such as a sportsperson playing in a first game for a team

---

Etymology

Origin of debutant

1815–25; < French débutant, present participle of débuter. See debut, -ant

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

debutant

At the World Cup, Ecuador began the tournament with a tough last-minute loss to Ivory Coast and then failed to score against debutant Curacao.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 30, 2026

That creates a rare opportunity for tournament debutant Cape Verde, the second-smallest country to qualify for a World Cup.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 21, 2026

Brook's exit was a moment of danger for England, but debutant Rew followed an improved wicketkeeping display by showing composure for his 15.

From BBC ● Jun. 20, 2026

England's parlous position in the second Test against New Zealand was compounded by drops from debutant wicketkeeper James Rew and a superb century by Henry Nicholls.

From BBC ● Jun. 19, 2026

Our friends and loved ones were used to attending debutant balls, but since I didn’t have one the year before, this party was like my make-up quinceañera.

From "Summer of the Mariposas" by Guadalupe García McCall