inaugural

1 of 2

adjective

in·​au·​gu·​ral i-ˈnȯ-gyə-rəl 

-g(ə-)rəl

1

: of or relating to an inauguration

an inaugural ball

2

: marking a beginning : first in a projected series

an aircraft's inaugural flight

inaugural

2 of 2

noun

1

: an inaugural address

2

: inauguration

Synonyms of inaugural

Adjective

• first
• initial
• original
• maiden
• foremost

Noun

• inauguration

Examples of inaugural in a Sentence

Adjective

They attended the inaugural ball.

the inaugural event in the city's week long festival honoring the sailing ships

Noun

attended the inaugurals of the city's last three mayors

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Passengers on the inaugural flight were enthusiastic about the new service. —Kenny Choi, CBS News, 8 Apr. 2026

Mercedes-Benz has been sponsoring the Masters for almost 20 years; the 140-year-old automaker came on as an inaugural sponsor of ANWA seven years ago. —Emma Hinchliffe, Fortune, 8 Apr. 2026

Noun

In the inaugural Be Our Valentine campaign, HopeWorks aims to build a stronger network for survivors. —Dennis Valera, CBS News, 26 Feb. 2026

In late November, Unrivaled chief brand officer Kirby Porter joined Jessica Stacey, senior vice president of external communications at Sephora, onstage at WWD’s inaugural The Catalysts summit, discussing the strength of beauty’s alliance with women’s sports, specifically. —Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 29 Jan. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1689, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1832, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing inaugural

• pre-inaugural

Rhymes for inaugural

• doggerel

Kids Definition

inaugural

1 of 2 adjective

in·​au·​gu·​ral in-ˈȯ-gyə-rəl 

-g(ə-)rəl

1

: of or relating to an inauguration

the inaugural address

an inaugural ball

2

: marking a beginning

the inaugural run of a new high-speed train

inaugural

2 of 2 noun

1

: an inaugural address

2

: inauguration