inaugural
Americanadjective
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of or relating to an inauguration.
Harding's inaugural address.
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marking the beginning of a new venture, series, etc..
the inaugural run of the pony express.
noun
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an address, as of a president, at the beginning of a term of office.
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an inaugural ceremony.
to attend the presidential inaugural.
adjective
noun
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
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Twice a European champion as England captain, she has also lifted every trophy available to her during a 20-year career with Arsenal - including the Champions League and inaugural Women's Champions Cup.
From BBC
Berkshire is due to release Abel’s inaugural shareholder letter on Saturday along with Berkshire’s annual report and fourth-quarter earnings.
From Barron's
On 16 September 2005, Bill Clinton took the stage at the inaugural Clinton Global Initiative gathering in New York.
From BBC
Within days, the "minister" would deliver its inaugural parliamentary speech.
From Barron's
Business groups in Germany are urging Merz to send a clear signal during what will be his inaugural trip to China as chancellor.
From BBC
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
