debut

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.

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. April 11, 2011, Phil McNulty, “Liverpool 3 - 0 Man City”, in BBC Sport
   Hulking defenceman Gudbranson, who came to Vancouver in a trade with the Florida Panthers last May, scored in his debut for the Canucks. 2016 September 29, Jason Keller, Eberle-McDavid-Lucic line debuts in Oilers pre-season loss to Canucks, CBC (Canada)
2. (also attributive) The first public presentation of a theatrical play, motion picture, opera, musical composition, dance, or other performing arts piece.
   Coordinate term: sophomore
   Since making its debut two years ago, the program has gained cult status.
   their long-anticipated debut album
3. The first appearance of a debutante in society.
4. (Philippines) The coming-of-age celebration of a woman's eighteenth birthday.

verb

1. (transitive, chiefly US) to formally introduce, as to the public
   Amalgamated Software Systems debuted release 3.2 in Spring of 2004.
2. (intransitive) to make one's initial formal appearance
   Release 3.2 debuted to mixed reviews in Spring of 2004.
   The nine-car electric unit debuted on the 0630 Newcastle-London King's Cross. April 8 2020, “Fleet News: News in Brief”, in RAIL, page 29