What does inauguration mean?
An inauguration is the formal beginning of something important, especially the assumption of office by a president, governor, mayor, or other public official. The term commonly refers to the ceremony itself, including the formal introduction of the incoming officeholder and the occasion's official speech or public events. More broadly, it can mean the act of launching or establishing an institution, program, exhibition, or other undertaking. Inauguration usually carries a sense of ceremony, public significance, and a deliberate beginning, rather than merely describing an ordinary start. The word is also associated with the transition into a new administration or term, making it especially prominent in political reporting and civic life. In general use, it is a formal term suited to public occasions and significant institutional milestones.
nounThe formal ceremony or process of beginning a public activity, institution, or period, especially the assumption of office by a political leader. It can also refer more generally to the act of establishing or launching something.
- A formal ceremony marking the beginning of a public office, administration, institution, or other significant undertaking.
- The act or process of beginning, introducing, or formally launching something.
"The mayor's inauguration marked the beginning of her administration."
"The inauguration ceremony was held outdoors in front of the state capitol."
"The exhibition's inauguration introduced a new series of works to the public."
The standard plural is inaugurations, used for separate ceremonies or public beginnings.
"The two inaugurations took place on consecutive days."
The word comes from Latin inaugurare, meaning to begin something under favorable auspices, so an inauguration has always carried a sense of a new beginning marked for the public.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does inauguration come from?
The word comes from Latin inaugurare, meaning to begin or undertake something, especially with reference to taking auspices or beginning under favorable omens. English adopted the term in the 16th century for the formal beginning of a person's public service, particularly the installation of a ruler or officeholder. The related forms inaugural and inaugurate developed from the same Latin verb and preserve its association with ceremonial beginnings.
Related word forms
How inauguration is actually used
The word is most commonly associated with a political leader or public official formally taking office, but it can also be used in institutional, cultural, and organizational contexts. It is generally formal and implies a public or ceremonial beginning.