debut
DEHB-yoo
Debut (noun) means a first public performance or appearance. Example: “The singer's debut album went straight to number one.”
noun
1
A first public performance or appearance.
"The singer's debut album went straight to number one."
"He made his professional debut at just seventeen."
verb
1
To appear in public, or be presented, for the first time.
"The car will debut at next month's motor show."
How to use debut
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA first appearance — of a person, product, film, or performance.
Common pairings
make a debut
debut album
debut single
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Word forms
- Plural
- debuts
- Third person singular
- debuts
- Past tense
- debuted
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The singer's _____ album went straight to number one.
Etymology
From French début, from débuter, "to begin" — originally connected to "but," meaning a target or goal in a game.
Synonyms
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Frequently asked questions
What does “debut” mean?
The word “debut” means a first public performance or appearance. In plain terms, a first appearance — of a person, product, film, or performance.
How do you pronounce “debut”?
“Debut” is pronounced DEHB-yoo (/deɪˈbjuː/ in IPA).
How do you use “debut” in a sentence?
Here is “debut” used in a sentence: “The singer's debut album went straight to number one.”
What part of speech is “debut”?
Depending on how it is used, “debut” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “debut” come from?
The word “debut” comes from French. From French début, from débuter, "to begin" — originally connected to "but," meaning a target or goal in a game.
Is “debut” a common word?
“Debut” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the C1 level.
How many meanings does “debut” have?
“Debut” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a first public performance or appearance.
What is an example of a debut?
A singer's debut might be their first concert or first released album. An actor makes their debut in their first film role, and an athlete debuts in their first professional match. In every case, the debut marks the public's first chance to see that person perform or appear.
What is the difference between a debut and a premiere?
A debut is a person's or product's first public appearance — an actor's debut, a debut album. A premiere is the first showing of a specific work, such as a film or play. A performer makes a debut; a production has a premiere. The focus differs slightly.
How do you pronounce debut?
Debut is usually said "DAY-byoo" or "day-BYOO," reflecting its French origin, and the final "t" stays silent. The word can also work as a verb — a band debuts a new song — pronounced the same way. Both the noun and verb uses are common in modern English.
Can "debut" be used as a verb?
Yes. Besides naming a first appearance, debut commonly works as a verb meaning to appear or be presented for the first time. A designer might debut a collection, or a show might debut on television. This flexible use is fully standard and appears widely in everyday writing and speech.
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