Debut

A debut is the first public appearance or presentation of a person, performance, or work. It marks the initial entry of someone into a field or of a work into public life, and it can refer to a professional start, a release such as a debut album or first film, or a product’s initial market introduction.

In the performing arts, a debut denotes the artist’s first professional appearance, whether on stage or screen. In music, it may refer to an artist’s first album or single. In literature, a debut novel is an author’s first published work. In sports, a debut game or match is a player’s or team’s first professional appearance. Debuts are often accompanied by media attention and can influence the subsequent reception of the person or work.

Etymology and related terms: The word derives from the French début meaning “the start” or “beginning,” borrowed into English. The verb to debut means to make a debut; the noun describes the first public presentation. A related term, premiere, is commonly used for the first public presentation of a work, especially in theater and film, though it emphasizes the initial showing rather than the person’s or work’s overall first appearance.