début

Definition

  1. Noun:

    • A first public appearance: "début" refers to the first public performance or appearance of an actor, musician, or other performer.
    • The beginning of a career: It also denotes the start of a professional career, especially in the arts or sports.
    • A formal social introduction: Historically, it means the formal presentation of a young woman into society (a "coming-out").

  2. Verb (also spelled "debut"):

    • To make a first public appearance: To perform or appear in public for the first time.
    • To launch or introduce: To present a product, work, or person to the public for the first time.
Usage Examples

  • Noun:

    • Her début as a pianist was at Carnegie Hall. (Her first public performance on the piano.)
    • The film marks the director's début in Hollywood. (The first film directed by this person in Hollywood.)
    • She made her social début at a grand ball. (Her formal introduction to society.)

  • Verb:

    • The singer will début her new album next month. (She will release or perform her new album for the first time.)
    • The actor débuts in a supporting role. (He appears for the first time in a film or play.)
Advanced Usage

  • "Début album": a musician's first released album.

    • The band's début album was a commercial success. (Their first album sold well.)

  • "Début novel": a writer's first published novel.

    • Her début novel won a major literary prize. (Her first novel received an award.)

  • "Débutante": a young woman making a formal social début.

    • The débutante was presented at a ball. (The young woman was formally introduced to society.)
Variants and Related Words
  • Debut (alternate spelling): The same word, often used without the accent in English.
  • Débutante (n): A young woman making her first formal appearance in society.
    • The débutante wore a white gown. (The young woman being introduced to society.)
  • Debutant (n): A male performer or person making a début (less common; "debutante" is feminine, but "debutant" can be masculine).
    • The debutant actor was nervous. (The male actor making his first appearance.)
Synonyms
  • First appearance: the initial showing or performance.
  • Launch: the introduction of a product or person to the public.
  • Premiere: the first public performance of a film, play, or piece of music.
Phrasal Verbs
  • Make one's début: to appear or perform for the first time.
    • She made her début at the age of 16. (She had her first public performance.)
Related Idioms

  • Début with a bang: to begin a career or performance very successfully.

    • His film début with a bang earned him immediate fame. (His first film was a huge success.)

  • A star is born: used when a performer makes a very successful début.

    • After her first song, everyone knew a star was born. (Her début was outstanding.)