noun
Uncommon
inauguration
ih-naw-guu-RAY-shuhn
Inauguration (noun) means the formal ceremony of installing someone into office. Example: “Thousands gathered on the National Mall for the inauguration.”
noun
1
The formal ceremony of installing someone into office.
"Thousands gathered on the National Mall for the inauguration."
2
The formal launch or opening of something new.
"The inauguration of the new hospital wing took place on Friday."
How to use inauguration
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe formal ceremony that marks someone taking office, or something new officially opening.
Common pairings
presidential inauguration
inauguration ceremony
inauguration day
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Word forms
- Plural
- inaugurations
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Thousands gathered on the National Mall for the _____.
Etymology
From Middle French inauguration.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for inauguration
region
ablation
allusion
emulsion
ideation
novation
diffusion
elocution
extension
oxidation
perfusion
selection
See all rhymes for inauguration →
Frequently asked questions
What does “inauguration” mean?
The word “inauguration” means the formal ceremony of installing someone into office. In plain terms, the formal ceremony that marks someone taking office, or something new officially opening.
How do you pronounce “inauguration”?
“Inauguration” is pronounced ih-naw-guu-RAY-shuhn (/ɪˌnɑ.ɡjəˈɹeɪʃən/ in IPA).
How do you use “inauguration” in a sentence?
Here is “inauguration” used in a sentence: “Thousands gathered on the National Mall for the inauguration.”
What part of speech is “inauguration”?
“Inauguration” is a noun.
Where does the word “inauguration” come from?
The word “inauguration” comes from Middle French. From Middle French inauguration.
Is “inauguration” a common word?
“Inauguration” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “inauguration” have?
“Inauguration” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the formal ceremony of installing someone into office.
What is the difference between an inauguration and a coronation?
An inauguration is the formal ceremony of installing someone into office, commonly used for elected officials such as presidents, while a coronation specifically refers to the ceremony of crowning a monarch. The terms reflect different systems of taking up leadership.
What is the difference between an inauguration and a grand opening?
Inauguration can also refer to the formal launch or opening of something new, similar to a grand opening, but it tends to carry a more official or ceremonial tone, often used for buildings, institutions, or programmes rather than shops or products.
Does inauguration only apply to presidents?
No. Although inauguration is strongly associated with installing presidents and other officials into office, it also describes the formal launch of a new building, institution, or programme, not just political roles.
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