inaugural

American  

[in-aw-gyer-uhl, -ger-uhl] / ɪnˈɔ gjər 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

See Examples For:

inaugural

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

The Lucas Museum of Narrative Art on Thursday announced its inaugural film programming, which will be screened nonstop during museum hours in two dedicated 299-seat theaters.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 24, 2026

Andy Burnham told the inaugural meeting of his cabinet Tuesday that he would lead a "cost-of-living government", after unveiling an energy tax cut on his first full day as prime minister.

From Barron's ● Jul. 21, 2026

The Pony Express enabled Abraham Lincoln’s inaugural address to be delivered from Nebraska to California a little more quickly, covering 1,500 miles in less than eight days.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 13, 2026

In an attempt to conserve our energy, we hosted only two inaugural balls that night, as opposed to the ten we’d gone to in 2009.

From "Becoming" by Michelle Obama

Related Words

• inauguration