DictionaryAI

debut

day-BYOO/deɪˈbjuː/UKDEB-yoo/ˈdɛbjuː/AUSDAY-byoo/ˈdæɪbjʉː/

Pluraldebuts

Verbdebuts, debuting, debuted

6 meanings of debut

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  1. 1
    nouncountable
    A performer's first public appearance, whether in sport, the arts, or another field.

    The violinist's debut with the orchestra drew a standing ovation.

    The rookie's debut against the defending champions surprised everyone.

    Similarpremiere

    Oppositefarewell

  2. 2
    nouncountablebefore a noun
    The first public presentation of a play, film, opera, musical work, dance, or other performing-arts piece.

    The symphony's debut was broadcast live across the country.

    Critics had mixed reactions to the ballet's debut last season.

    Similarpremiere, opening

  3. 3
    verbintransitive
    To make one's first formal appearance before the public.

    The quartet will debut at Carnegie Hall this spring.

    The young gymnast debuted at the international championships.

    Similarpremiere

  4. 4
    verbUStransitive
    To formally present something to the public for the first time.

    The studio debuted its latest film at the festival.

    Designers will debut their spring collection in Paris.

    Similarlaunch, unveil, premiere, introduce, release

  5. 5
    nouncountable
    A young woman's first formal appearance in fashionable or high society.

    Her debut introduced her to the city's most prominent families.

    The countess arranged an elaborate debut for her daughter.

    Similarcoming-out

  6. 6
    nounPhilippinescountable
    A celebration marking a young woman's eighteenth birthday and her coming of age.

    Relatives flew in from overseas to attend her debut.

    The hall was decorated in gold and white for her debut.

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Origin

From French début, a derivative of débuter ("to move, begin"), formed from dé- plus but ("mark, goal"). But traces back to Old French words for an aim or target, and ultimately to a Frankish or Old Norse root meaning "stump" or "log," from Proto-Germanic *butą ("end, piece") and Proto-Indo-European *bʰewd- ("to beat, push"). It is cognate with Old English butt ("tree stump"), and the Philippine sense is influenced by Spanish debut.