inaugural

American  

[in-aw-gyer-uhl, -ger-uhl] / ɪnˈɔ gyər əl, -gər əl /

adjective

1. of or relating to an inauguration.

   Harding's inaugural address.

2. marking the beginning of a new venture, series, etc..

   the inaugural run of the pony express.

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noun

1. an address, as of a president, at the beginning of a term of office.

2. an inaugural ceremony.

   to attend the presidential inaugural.

inaugural British  

/ ɪnˈɔːɡjʊrəl /

adjective

1. characterizing or relating to an inauguration

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noun

1. a speech made at an inauguration, esp by a president of the US

Usage

What does inaugural mean? Inaugural is used to describe things that involve or related to inauguration—the process of formally inducting someone into a position or officially opening something to use. To induct someone or open something in this way is to inaugurate. The word inauguration also commonly refers to a ceremony in which a person or thing is inaugurated. U. S. presidents are inaugurated—officially inducted into office and sworn in—on Inauguration Day, on which they usually give their inaugural address (speech). Such inaugurations are often planned by inaugural committees. Inaugural can also be used as a noun as another word for an inauguration or an inaugural speech, though this is less common. The verb inaugurate can also be used in a more general way meaning to formally or officially take action to begin something—to initiate or commence it. Inaugural can also be used as an adjective to describe the first part of a new venture or series, as in This is the inaugural edition of the magazine—the very first issue!Example: The president-elect will lay out her plans for her first 100 days in office during her inaugural address.

Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• preinaugural
  adjective
• postinaugural
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of inaugural

1680–90; obsolete inaugure (< Latin inaugurāre to inaugurate ) + -al ¹, -al ²

Explanation

An inaugural is a ceremony inducting someone into a new position, especially the President. We also call the President's first speech an inaugural address. This word has to do with ceremonies and firsts: an inaugural or inaugural address is the first speech made by a President at a ceremony also called the inauguration. This word is highly associated with Presidents, but it can apply to any kind of official first. An inaugural trip to China is a first trip to China. If you want to make a first sound fancy or important, try inaugural.

Example Sentences

The football fan zone will be held in the Zocalo, where spectators will watch live-streamed games on a massive screen -- with President Claudia Sheinbaum planning to watch Thursday's inaugural match.

From Barron's • Jun. 10, 2026

But, for Douglas, ex-CEO of Abu Dhabi's Etihad airline, the inaugural flight is "the culmination of four years' worth of preparation".

From Barron's • Jun. 10, 2026

Multiple-time “Survivor” competitor Cirie Fields won the inaugural season of “The Traitors.”

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 8, 2026

Speaking to press at the inaugural ceremony Blair emphasised the Mobos' focus on music of black origin - recognising style and influence over skin colour.

From BBC • Jun. 5, 2026

I realized this once we climbed into the presidential limo and began our slow crawl to the White House, leading the inaugural parade.

From "Becoming" by Michelle Obama

Related Words

• inauguration