inaugural
Americanadjective
-
of or relating to an inauguration.
Harding's inaugural address.
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marking the beginning of a new venture, series, etc..
the inaugural run of the pony express.
noun
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an address, as of a president, at the beginning of a term of office.
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an inaugural ceremony.
to attend the presidential inaugural.
adjective
noun
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
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.
Vocabulary lists containing inaugural
"The Book Thief" by Markus Zusak, Part Four
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Chasing Lincoln's Killer
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First Man: The Life of Neil A. Armstrong
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Zach Johnson shot a seven-under-par final round to hold off Stewart Cink and Padraig Harrington in the inaugural Portugal Invitational at The Els Club in Vilamoura.
From BBC ● Aug. 2, 2026
Even when Johnson produced a modest wedge shot, as he did on the 11th, he holed the putt from off the green to get to 18 under and place one hand on the inaugural trophy.
From BBC ● Aug. 2, 2026
So when Burnham decided to break with tradition and make his inaugural address Monday accompanied by only a minimalist microphone stand, a vocal faction of the electorate worried they’d lose more than the lectern.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 28, 2026
On Friday, Saturday and Sunday, 13 indie bookstores across the city and beyond are joining forces for an inaugural celebration of local literary culture.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 21, 2026
“In 1885. President Grover Cleveland’s inaugural ball. Did you know that?”
From "The Brightwood Code" by Monica Hesse
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
