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
This program is now accepting applications for its inaugural cohort, offering students an opportunity to explore both the theoretical foundations and hands-on applications of artificial intelligence. Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 10 May 2025 The inaugural course explores all aspects of launching a music festival, from establishing a budget and booking venues to crafting a lineup and a marketing strategy. Noah Lyons, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 May 2025
Noun
If fundraising is Global’s plan with its pair of inaugurals, leaving its A380 parked at JFK for four days between flights is an odd choice. Edward Russell, CNN Money, 9 May 2025 Often times, the swearing-in of the President for a second term generates a lower audience than the initial inaugural. Brad Adgate, Forbes, 21 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

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Cite this Entry

“Inaugural.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inaugural. Accessed 20 May. 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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