inauguration

[in-aw-gyuh-rey-shuhn, -guh-]

noun

1. an act or ceremony of inaugurating.

Other Word Forms

• reinauguration noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of inauguration¹

First recorded in 1560–70, inauguration is from the Late Latin word inaugurātiōn- (stem of inaugurātiō ). See inaugurate, -ion.

Related Words

• commencement 
• inaugural 
• induction 
• initiation 
• launch 
• launching www.thesaurus.com
• opening 

When To Use

What does inauguration mean?

Inauguration is the process of inaugurating someone—officially inducting them into a position.It can also refer to the process of introducing something into use with a formal ceremony.Inauguration is also commonly used to refer to a ceremony in which a person or thing is inaugurated.The inauguration of U.S. presidents—in which they are officially inducted into office and sworn in—happens on Inauguration Day.The inauguration of a new factory or public building might involve a ribbon-cutting ceremony or a dedication ceremony, for example. However, the word is not all that commonly used in this way. In the context of buildings, the word dedication is more 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. The noun inauguration can also be used in this general way to mean initiation or commencement, as in The end of the war brought about the inauguration of a new era.Example: In the U.S., presidents are elected in November, but their terms don’t officially begin until their inauguration in January.