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

Example Sentences

It is also the inaugural crewed flight of NASA's new lunar rocket, dubbed SLS.

From Barron's

At the board’s inaugural meeting in Washington, Steve Witkoff announced a deal for the U.S. and Pakistan to jointly redevelop the Roosevelt Hotel in New York, owned by Pakistan’s loss-making airline.

From The Wall Street Journal

She went on to win silver in the inaugural women's pentathlon and bronze in the 4x100m relay at the same Games.

From BBC

Rand secured the long jump title at the Tokyo Games in 1964, also winning silver in the inaugural women's pentathlon and bronze in the 4x100m relay.

From BBC

Bank of America added that the May policy meeting—Shin’s first—alongside updated projections and inaugural remarks, should offer clearer guidance.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• inauguration