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

The inaugural World Athletics Ultimate Championships take place this weekend in Budapest, Hungary. — Liam Tharme, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026

The arena is anticipated to open in 2030, coinciding with the WNBA's inaugural season in Philadelphia. — Kaitlyn McCormick, USA Today, 10 Sep. 2026

Noun

Van Dijk and her fellow travelers even brought their own swag to give out and said inaugurals feel like a bonding experience for everyone on the flight. — Zach Wichter, USA Today, 10 May 2026

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