inauguration

noun

in·​au·​gu·​ra·​tion i-ˌnȯ-gyə-ˈrā-shən How to pronounce inauguration (audio)
-gə-
: an act of inaugurating
especially : a ceremonial induction into office

Examples of inauguration in a Sentence

the pomp and circumstance of a presidential inauguration
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.
The Amazon founder and the former Fox Sports anchor attended Trump’s inauguration in January 2025. Lea Veloso, StyleCaster, 1 July 2025 In 2018, a year after a delegation from the tiny region attended the president’s first inauguration, its leadership threw an exclusive reception for American lawmakers at Trump International Hotel in Washington, D.C., spending at least $750,000 on accommodations. Miles Klee, Rolling Stone, 27 June 2025 Iran finally released the U.S. hostages, minutes after the inauguration of President Ronald Reagan in 1981. Sharyl Attkisson, Baltimore Sun, 27 June 2025 Musk had close ties to Trump then, and a human mission to Mars got a mention in Trump's inauguration speech. ArsTechnica, 26 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for inauguration

Word History

First Known Use

1569, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of inauguration was in 1569

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Cite this Entry

“Inauguration.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inauguration. Accessed 8 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

inauguration

noun
in·​au·​gu·​ra·​tion in-ˌȯ-g(y)ə-ˈrā-shən How to pronounce inauguration (audio)
: an act or ceremony of inaugurating

More from Merriam-Webster on inauguration

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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