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.

---

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

It was another tough occasion for Northern Ireland tournament debutant Josh Rock, who was beaten 6-1 by Stephen Bunting in the opening match of the night to leave him still winless after six weeks.

From BBC • Mar. 12, 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

It wasn't a penalty this time, but on 94 minutes, Gunners defender Riccardo Calafiori turned debutant Tom Edozie's shot into his own net.

From BBC • Feb. 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