debut

Meanings

Noun

• A performer's first performance to the public, in sport, the arts or some other area.
• The first public presentation of a theatrical play, motion picture, opera, musical composition, dance, or other performing arts piece.
• The first appearance of a debutante in society.

Verb

• to formally introduce, as to the public
• to make one's initial formal appearance

Origin

• From French début, from Middle French, derivative of débuter, from dé- + but, 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 *bʰeud- ("to beat, push"). Cognate with Old English butt ("tree stump"). More at butt.