debutant

American  

[deb-yoo-tahnt, -yuh-] / ˈdɛb yʊˌtɑnt, -yə- /

Or débutant

noun

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

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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

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Etymology

Origin of debutant

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

Example Sentences

Sawe made his decisive move before the final 10km, with only debutant Yomif Kejelcha able to cover his surge off the front.

From BBC • Apr. 26, 2026

He was watched by former Manchester United footballer Paul Scholes during his 10-2 first-round win over Chinese debutant He Guoqiang and, this time, UFC fighter Paddy Pimblett and Liverpool defender Milos Kerkez were in attendance.

From BBC • Apr. 26, 2026

Warwickshire debutant Jordan Thompson removed Abbott, caught behind, and Matt Fisher, lbw, in the penultimate over, before Gilchrist castled Foakes.

From BBC • Apr. 3, 2026

Craig Casey has edged out last week's debutant Nathan Doak as scrum-half cover while utility back Ciaran Frawley is retained among the replacements.

From BBC • Mar. 12, 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