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

Seven-time winner Ronnie O'Sullivan will begin his bid for a record-breaking eighth World Snooker Championship title with a match against China's debutant He Guoqiang at the Crucible.

From BBC • Apr. 16, 2026

Six Nations debutant Murray then sniped over for Ireland's bonus score, but the home side's mettle was tested again when Darge capped an excellent Scotland attack to bring the visitors back to within five points.

From BBC • Mar. 14, 2026

Despite scoring five tries -- with backs Louis Bielle-Biarrey, Thomas Ramos, debutant Gael Drean and Emilien Gailleton also crossing the whitewash -- Galthie was happier with the defensive effort than the attacking one.

From Barron's • Feb. 22, 2026

With Louis Lynagh in the sin-bin, debutant Gael Drean grabbed the vital bonus-point try and Emilien Gailleton crossed in a less eventful second half.

From BBC • Feb. 22, 2026

At the age of forty-one, I am returning to school and have to think of myself as what my French textbook calls "a true debutant."

From "Me Talk Pretty One Day" by David Sedaris