Definition

1. Adjective:

   • Marking the beginning of something: Used to describe the first event, action, or item in a series, signifying a start or commencement.
   • Relating to an inauguration: Characteristic of or occurring at a formal ceremony to induct someone into a new position, especially a high office.

2. Noun:

   • An inaugural address: A speech delivered by a person, especially a U.S. president, at their inauguration ceremony.
   • An inauguration ceremony: The formal event marking the beginning of a new period or the induction into office.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:

  • The inaugural issue of the magazine was a great success. (This describes the very first issue.)
  • The president gave his inaugural address from the Capitol steps. (This describes the speech characteristic of the inauguration ceremony.)
  • The company's inaugural product launch set a high standard. (This describes the first product launch.)

• Noun:

  • The new president delivered a powerful inaugural. (This refers to the inaugural address.)
  • The whole nation watched the inaugural on television. (This refers to the inauguration ceremony.)

Advanced Usage

• Inaugural flight/voyage: The first official journey of a new aircraft or ship.
  • Passengers on the plane's inaugural flight received commemorative gifts.
• Inaugural season: The first season of a new sports team, performance series, or league.
  • The team struggled during its inaugural season but showed promise.

Variants and Related Words

• Inaugurate (verb): To begin or introduce something new, or to formally admit someone into office.
  • The museum was inaugurated by the mayor.
• Inauguration (noun): The act of inaugurating; the ceremony itself.
  • The inauguration of the president is a major national event.

Synonyms

• Adjective: First, initial, maiden, introductory, initiatory.
• Noun: Inauguration address, opening speech, induction ceremony.

Related Phrases

• Inaugural ball: A formal dance or celebration held in honor of a person's inauguration, especially for a U.S. president.
  • She wore a beautiful gown to the inaugural ball.

Adjective

1. serving to set in motion
   • the magazine's inaugural issue
   • the initiative phase in the negotiations
   • an initiatory step toward a treaty
   • his first (or maiden) speech in Congress
   • the liner's maiden voyage
2. occurring at or characteristic of a formal investiture or induction
   • the President's inaugural address
   • an inaugural ball

Noun

1. the ceremonial induction into a position
   • the new president obviously enjoyed his inauguration
2. an address delivered at an inaugural ceremony (especially by a United States president)