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 Words From

• postin·augu·ral adjective
• prein·augu·ral adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of inaugural¹

1680–90; obsolete inaugure (< Latin inaugurāre to inaugurate ) + -al ¹, -al ²

Example Sentences

Metallica, Guns N’ Roses, AC/DC to headline inaugural metal extravaganza PowerTrip on the grounds of Coachella on Oct. 6-8.

From Los Angeles Times

The building was the inaugural winner of the Stirling Prize in 1996, but has been vacant for the past eight years.

From BBC

Quarterback Makena Cook took the snap, surveyed the field, and calmly threw a dart to freshman Maddison Milne for a first down that clinched the Lancers’ 20-18 triumph over Newport Harbor in the inaugural Southern Section Division 1 flag football championship game Saturday night at El Modena High.

From Los Angeles Times

Two weeks after launching their tea set, Pet Shop Boys will receive the inaugural "pop pioneers" award at the EMAs.

From BBC

In a change from the inaugural edition of the Nations League, these knockout ties will be played over two legs.

From BBC

Related Words

• inauguration