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

John Thorrington’s decision to make Vela the first major signing for LAFC’s inaugural season is arguably the best ever made by an expansion team’s general manager.

From Los Angeles Times

After winning the inaugural event in 1991, the United States were runners-up at the following two tournaments.

From BBC

The showrunner's contribution to television was honoured on Wednesday when she was awarded the inaugural Edinburgh fellowship at the TV festival.

From BBC

Last year's inaugural prize was won by Jack King for his film The Ceremony.

From BBC

In his inaugural address, he said he wanted his proudest legacy to be that of a "peacemaker".

From BBC

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.