adjective
Uncommon
inaugural
ih-NAW-guh-ruhl
Inaugural (adjective) means relating to an inauguration, such as a speech given when someone takes office. Example: “The president's inaugural address focused on unity and rebuilding trust.”
adjective
1
Relating to an inauguration, such as a speech given when someone takes office.
"The president's inaugural address focused on unity and rebuilding trust."
"The new mayor delivered her inaugural speech from the steps of the town hall."
"His inaugural lecture as professor drew a large and attentive crowd."
2
Marking the first event of a new series, venture, or season.
"The stadium hosted its inaugural match in front of a sold-out crowd."
"The festival's inaugural year was a great success for the whole town."
"The airline's inaugural flight to the island left on time and full of passengers."
How to use inaugural
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishDescribes something that marks a formal beginning — a first speech, first game, or first event.
Common pairings
inaugural address
inaugural speech
inaugural season
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The president's _____ address focused on unity and rebuilding trust.
Etymology
From French inaugural, from inaugurer, tracing back to Latin augurare, "to take omens."
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
exaugural
Related words
Rhymes for inaugural
rural
mural
plural
neural
natural
cultural
epidural
subdural
guttural
unnatural
structural
procedural
See all rhymes for inaugural →
Frequently asked questions
What does “inaugural” mean?
The word “inaugural” means relating to an inauguration, such as a speech given when someone takes office. In plain terms, describes something that marks a formal beginning — a first speech, first game, or first event.
How do you pronounce “inaugural”?
“Inaugural” is pronounced ih-NAW-guh-ruhl (/ɪˈnɔːɡəɹəl/ in IPA).
How do you use “inaugural” in a sentence?
Here is “inaugural” used in a sentence: “The president's inaugural address focused on unity and rebuilding trust.”
What part of speech is “inaugural”?
“Inaugural” is an adjective.
Where does the word “inaugural” come from?
The word “inaugural” comes from Latin. From French inaugural, from inaugurer, tracing back to Latin augurare, "to take omens.".
Is “inaugural” a common word?
“Inaugural” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “inaugural” have?
“Inaugural” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: relating to an inauguration, such as a speech given when someone takes office.
What is the difference between inaugural and first?
Inaugural specifically relates to an inauguration or marks the first event of a new series, venture, or season, while first is a more general word for anything that comes before all others. Inaugural carries a sense of ceremony or formal launch that plain 'first' lacks.
What is an inaugural address?
An inaugural address is the speech given by a person, often a president or other official, when they formally take office at their inauguration. It typically sets out their goals and vision for the role ahead.
Is inaugural only used for political events?
No. While inaugural is common in political contexts like an inaugural address, it is also used for any first event in a new series or venture, such as the inaugural flight of an airline or the inaugural season of a sports league.
