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

Northern Ireland's Josh Rock, who is the other debutant in this year's field, lost 6-2 to Van Veen in the quarters, but delighted the home crowd with the first nine-darter of this year's tournament.

From BBC • Feb. 26, 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

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

King was out next, falling to debutant left-arm spinner Oliver Davidson caught at backward point for his maiden T20 wicket.

From Barron's • Feb. 7, 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