inaugural

1 of 2

adjective

in·​au·​gu·​ral i-ˈnȯ-gyə-rəl How to pronounce inaugural (audio)
-g(ə-)rəl
Synonyms of inaugural
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

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Adjective

Noun

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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
With one event complete, the inaugural X Games League standings are as follows. — Michelle Bruton, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026 The program's inaugural cohort includes associates with tenures at the company ranging from one year to 30 years. — Casey Mann, Arkansas Online, 1 July 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 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

Phrases Containing inaugural

Rhymes for inaugural

See All Rhymes for inaugural

Browse Nearby Words

inaudible
inaugural
inaugurate
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Inaugural.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inaugural. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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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
: inauguration

More from Merriam-Webster on inaugural

Nglish: Translation of inaugural for Spanish Speakers

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