verb

inaugurate

ih-NAWG-yuu-rayt

Inaugurate (verb) means to formally install someone into an official position with a ceremony. Example: “The senator will be inaugurated as governor next month.”

verb

To formally install someone into an official position with a ceremony.

"The senator will be inaugurated as governor next month."

To officially open a building or start something new with a formal ceremony.

"The city inaugurated its new subway line with a ribbon-cutting event."

How to use inaugurate

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishTo officially start or launch something with ceremony — a person into office, or a project or building into use.

Common pairings

inaugurate a president inaugurate a building newly inaugurated

Word forms

inaugurated past tense, inaugurate plural, inaugurated plural, inaugurates singular, inaugurate singular, inaugurated singular, inauguratest singular, inauguratedst singular, inaugurateth singular

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The senator will be _____ as governor next month.

Etymology

From Latin inaugurō, originally meaning to take omens from the flight of birds before installing someone in office — from in- plus augurō, "to act as an augur."

Origin: Latin

Rhymes for inaugurate

ate date rate mate fate abate slate plate state grate create update

See all rhymes for inaugurate →

Frequently asked questions

What does “inaugurate” mean?

The word “inaugurate” means to formally install someone into an official position with a ceremony. In plain terms, to officially start or launch something with ceremony — a person into office, or a project or building into use.

How do you pronounce “inaugurate”?

“Inaugurate” is pronounced ih-NAWG-yuu-rayt (/ɪˈnɔ.ɡjəˌɹeɪt/ in IPA).

How do you use “inaugurate” in a sentence?

Here is “inaugurate” used in a sentence: “The senator will be inaugurated as governor next month.”

What part of speech is “inaugurate”?

“Inaugurate” is a verb.

Where does the word “inaugurate” come from?

The word “inaugurate” comes from Latin. From Latin inaugurō, originally meaning to take omens from the flight of birds before installing someone in office — from in- plus augurō, "to act as an augur.".

How many meanings does “inaugurate” have?

“Inaugurate” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to formally install someone into an official position with a ceremony.