inaugural

[in-aw-gyer-uhl, -ger-uhl]

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.

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

/ ɪnˈɔːɡjʊrəl /

adjective

1. characterizing or relating to an inauguration

noun

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

Other Word Forms

• postinaugural adjective
• preinaugural adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of inaugural¹

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

Example Sentences

It is the fourth consecutive year that the public have played a part in picking Oxford's word of the year, after an inaugural public vote in 2022 saw "goblin mode" prevail.

Read more on Barron's

But the inaugural Club World Cup is also planned for 2028.

Read more on Barron's

This inaugural visit to Saudi Arabia continues with four more stages on Thursday.

Read more on Barron's

When I wrote my inaugural list of Rules for Thanksgiving Family Touch Football, my motive was simple: A quick holiday weekend column to avoid writing about the Michigan-Ohio State football game.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

First of all, Grace: congratulations on your inaugural hosting year!

Read more on Salon

Related Words

• inauguration 

When To Use

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.