inaugural

1 of 2

adjective

in·​au·​gu·​ral i-ˈnȯ-gyə-rəl How to pronounce inaugural (audio)
-g(ə-)rəl
1
: of or relating to an inauguration
2
: marking a beginning : first in a projected series

inaugural

2 of 2

noun

1
: an inaugural address
2

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Adjective
The festival, which hosted its inaugural slate of performances in 2015, will continue the tradition of spotlighting a fresh local talent pool this year. Heather Bushman, IndyStar, 15 Aug. 2025 On Monday, August 11, the British Academy of Film and Television Arts announced the rollout of the inaugural BAFTA Honours, scheduled to take place on Sunday, November 2 in Los Angeles, California. Marcus Jones, IndieWire, 14 Aug. 2025
Noun
From Clinton’s tenure as first lady of the state of Arkansas through her White House years, Kamran periodically dressed her for key events, including for Bill Clinton’s second gubernatorial inaugural. Rosemary Feitelberg, Footwear News, 25 July 2025 The special honor for the Butler first responders comes after, during his first inaugural in 2017, Trump's parade also highlighted police and military personnel with a representative from every branch of the military joining him. Kelsey Walsh, ABC News, 14 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for inaugural

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1689, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1832, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of inaugural was in 1689

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Inaugural.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inaugural. Accessed 22 Aug. 2025.

Kids Definition

inaugural

1 of 2 adjective
in·​au·​gu·​ral in-ˈȯ-gyə-rəl How to pronounce inaugural (audio)
-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

More from Merriam-Webster on inaugural

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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