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

Melania wore a double-breasted crepe suit from American designer Adam Lippes, who also designed her navy-and-ivory ensemble for the president's second inauguration ceremony last year. —Kathryn Palmer, USA Today, 28 Apr. 2026

After the January 6 attack on the Capitol, the 2021 inauguration of President Biden took place behind fortified perimeters, lined with thousands of National Guard troops. —Vivian Salama, The Atlantic, 27 Apr. 2026

Martha Washington didn’t make the trip for the inauguration, but diplomats from France and Spain did. —Encyclopedia Britannica, 27 Apr. 2026

In his April 10 inauguration speech, Min Aung Hlaing said restoring normal relations with ASEAN was among his top priorities. —ABC News, 25 Apr. 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