debut

or dé·but

[ dey-byoo, dih-, dey-byoo, deb-yoo ]

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.

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

/ 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

verb

1. to make a debut

Word History and Origins

Origin of debut¹

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; butt ²

Word History and Origins

Origin of debut¹

C18: from French début, from Old French desbuter to play first (hence: make one's first appearance), from des- de- + but goal, target; see butt ²

Example Sentences

I enjoyed it, but thought it paled in comparison to their debut.

From The Daily Beast

The brother of a girl who made her debut in New Orleans society was shaking his fists in excitement.

From The Daily Beast

Forty-two years after its debut, The Godfather casts a long shadow over American cinema.

From The Daily Beast

It was creative thinking like this that helped it debut at number one on Billboard Top Heatseekers Chart.

From The Daily Beast

After such a barnstorming stage debut, and while “my heart is in theater,” screen acting intrigues him.

From The Daily Beast

Then in 1823 she made her debut at the Opera in a trio skit with Mariette and Tullia.

From Project Gutenberg

Yet, if he were in very truth a prince—she thought of his debut in flowered waistcoat, panama hat, and enamelled boots!

From Project Gutenberg

In passing we will note some other musical events of interest which occurred about the same time that Chopin made his debut.

From Project Gutenberg

Never was debut so successful, as Chloe's first appearance in Camden Place.

From Project Gutenberg

And to-night was the grand debut of a more remarkable phenomenon than any of the others.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

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