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

They focused on the Hungarian nationalist group Vitézi Rend, whose medal Gorka wore on a military tunic to Trump’s inaugural events.

From Salon • Apr. 22, 2026

Nordstrom hired seven students from the inaugural class.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 21, 2026

There were wild scenes of celebration when Roma became the inaugural winners, while the following year West Ham claimed a dramatic last-minute success against Fiorentina to end their 43-year wait for a major trophy.

From BBC • Apr. 16, 2026

The inaugural Coachella happened in October 1999 and was a two-day affair headlined by Beck, Rage Against the Machine and Tool, which The Times’ then-pop music critic Robert Hilburn dubbed the “Anti-Woodstock 99.”

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 6, 2026

We were due at the first of ten inaugural balls in less than an hour.

From "Becoming" by Michelle Obama

Related Words

• inauguration