debut

The word “debut” means a first public performance or appearance. In plain terms, a first appearance — of a person, product, film, or performance.

“Debut” is pronounced DEHB-yoo (/deɪˈbjuː/ in IPA).

Here is “debut” used in a sentence: “The singer's debut album went straight to number one.”

Depending on how it is used, “debut” can be a noun and a verb.

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.

“Debut” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the C1 level.

“Debut” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a first public performance or appearance.

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.

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.

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.

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.