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

Derived Forms

• preinaugural
  adjective
• postinaugural
  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

Multiple-time “Survivor” competitor Cirie Fields won the inaugural season of “The Traitors.”

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 8, 2026

The change represented by the inaugural installation at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art’s new David Geffen Galleries goes far beyond a remodel.

From Los Angeles Times • May 27, 2026

Former England captain Jo Yapp says she wants to "create something truly special" after being named as the first British and Irish Lions Women coach for next year's inaugural tour in New Zealand.

From BBC • May 27, 2026

Readers of a certain age will remember 1962 as the inaugural season of the New York Mets, a historically hapless team that ended the season 40-120.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 26, 2026

Between 1990 and 1995, Hall was responsible for putting thirty-nine climbers on the summit of Everest—three more ascents than had been made in the first twenty years after Sir Edmund Hillary’s inaugural climb.

From "Into Thin Air" by Jon Krakauer

Related Words

• inauguration