inauguration

noun

in·​au·​gu·​ra·​tion i-ˌnȯ-gyə-ˈrā-shən 

-gə-

: an act of inaugurating

especially : a ceremonial induction into office

Synonyms of inauguration

• inaugural

Examples of inauguration in a Sentence

the pomp and circumstance of a presidential inauguration

Recent Examples on the Web

The companies contributed $1 million each to Trump’s inauguration and spent millions lobbying Congress and federal agencies in the lead-up to the passage of the 2025 tax and spending bill, according to the letter. — Justin Papp, CNBC, 28 Sep. 2026

Pope Francis had refused repeatedly to make a proper state visit to France during his 12-year pontificate and pointedly refused to join the inauguration of the rebuilt Notre Dame cathedral in 2024. — Nicole Winfield, Los Angeles Times, 25 Sep. 2026

Bruce Springsteen Celebrates Obama’s Inauguration Ahead of Obama’s inauguration in 2009, Springsteen took the stage with fellow storytelling performer Pete Seeger. — Alexandra Schonfeld, PEOPLE, 23 Sep. 2026

Bo had been with the Obamas since shortly after Barack Obama's first inauguration in 2009. — Gabriella Biello, CBS News, 16 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1569, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for inauguration

• abbreviation
• abomination
• acceleration
• accentuation
• accommodation
• accreditation
• acculturation
• accumulation
• acetylation
• adjudication
• administration
• adulteration

Kids Definition

inauguration

noun

in·​au·​gu·​ra·​tion in-ˌȯ-g(y)ə-ˈrā-shən 

: an act or ceremony of inaugurating