What does "debut" mean?
A performer's first performance to the public, in sport, the arts or some other area.
Debut
/deɪˈbjuː/ noun, verb
noun, verb ·Moderate ·High school level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: A performer's first performance to the public, in sport, the arts or some other area.
- Grammar: debut is listed as noun, verb.
- Nearest alternatives: first appearance, introduction, appearance, appear.
- Useful contrasts: conceal, final release, finale.
- Usage evidence: Tom became popular among teenagers as soon as he made his debut on the screen.
How to use "debut"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "debut" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "debut" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "debut" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "debut" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "debut" is acting as noun, verb in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "first appearance" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "debut", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 A performer's first performance to the public, in sport, the arts or some other area.
"Liverpool's performance - despite a defensive injury crisis that saw a promising debut for teenage academy graduate John Flanagan - was a resounding advert for Kenny Dalglish to be given the manager's job on a permanent basis."
- 2 the act of beginning something new wordnet
- 3 The first public presentation of a theatrical play, motion picture, opera, musical composition, dance, or other performing arts piece. also, attributive
"Since making its debut two years ago, the program has gained cult status."
- 4 the presentation of a debutante in society wordnet
- 5 The first appearance of a debutante in society.
Show 1 more definition
- 6 The coming-of-age celebration of a woman's eighteenth birthday. Philippines
Verb
- 1 to formally introduce, as to the public US, transitive
"Amalgamated Software Systems debuted release 3.2 in Spring of 2004."
- 2 appear for the first time in public wordnet
- 3 to make one's initial formal appearance intransitive
"Release 3.2 debuted to mixed reviews in Spring of 2004."
- 4 make one's debut wordnet
- 5 present for the first time to the public wordnet
Synonyms
All synonymsExample
"Tom became popular among teenagers as soon as he made his debut on the screen."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "debut"?
Common synonyms include: first appearance, introduction, appearance, appear, appear on screen, appear to be.
How do you use "debut" in a sentence?
Tom became popular among teenagers as soon as he made his debut on the screen.
How do you pronounce "debut"?
Pronounced /deɪˈbjuː/.
Etymology
From French début, from Middle French, derivative of débuter (“to move, begin”), from dé- + but (“mark, goal”), from Old French but (“aim, goal, end, target”), from Old French butte (“mound, knoll, target”), from Frankish *but (“stump, log”), or from Old Norse bútr (“log, stump, butt”); both from Proto-Germanic *butą (“end, piece”), from Proto-Indo-European *bʰewd- (“to beat, push”). Cognate with Old English butt (“tree stump”). More at butt. The Philippine sense is influenced by Spanish debut.