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

• postinaugural
  adjective
• preinaugural
  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

Pace Mr. Miller, it didn’t advocate freedom for the sake of freedom, or elections as a good in themselves, even if the overwrought text of Mr. Bush’s Second Inaugural address lent itself to that parody.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 7, 2026

“Trump has an opportunity to solidify … reluctant supporters — and even convert some critics — if he delivers a strong Inaugural Address and sets an optimistic tone,” Rove wrote.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 19, 2025

The Trump Vance Inaugural Committee has said that Vance will also swear on a personal Bible, a family copy that belonged to his maternal great-grandmother.

From BBC • Jan. 17, 2025

Later in the evening, Trump will appear at three inaugural balls throughout the city - the Commander-in-Chief Ball, the Liberty Inaugural Ball and the Starlight Ball.

From BBC • Jan. 17, 2025

Well, we were invited to the Inaugural Ball, the biggest and most desirable one where thousands of people would gather, where all the new dresses and satin shoes and hairdos would be.

From "Travels with Charley in Search of America" by John Steinbeck

Related Words

• inauguration