ENGLISH
REFERENCE

inauguration

n. C / U
C1 Advanced US //ɪˌnɔɡjɝˈeɪʃən// UK //ɪnˌɔːɡjʊɹˈeɪʃən// in·au·gu·ra·tion

n. a formal ceremony to mark the start of something important, like a new leader's job or a new building. It is most often used when a president officially begins their term.

n. a formal ceremony or ritual marking the beginning of a major period, system, or person's term in office. Often associated with the commencement of a head of state's tenure.


SIMPLE

The president's inauguration takes place in January.

CONTEXTUAL

Thousands of people gathered in the capital to witness the inauguration of the new government.

COMPLEX

The inauguration of the high-speed rail network represented a significant milestone in the country's infrastructure development, promising to connect distant regions more efficiently.

Synonyms
Origin

From Middle French inauguration.

Usage

Uncountable when referring to the general concept of starting a term; countable when referring to a specific event.

© 2026 English Reference