inauguration

noun

in·​au·​gu·​ra·​tion i-ˌnȯ-gyə-ˈrā-shən 

-gə-

: an act of inaugurating

especially : a ceremonial induction into office

Synonyms

• baptism
• inaugural
• induction
• initiation
• installation
• installment
• instalment
• investiture
• investment

Examples of inauguration in a Sentence

the pomp and circumstance of a presidential inauguration

Recent Examples on the Web

While everyone is still reeling at the news that Carrie Underwood will be singing at Trump’s inauguration on January 20, the American Idol winner herself has released a statement explaining her decision. —Kathleen Walsh, Glamour, 14 Jan. 2025

No explanation was given for why Michelle Obama was skipping Trump’s inauguration. —Darlene Superville, Chicago Tribune, 14 Jan. 2025

Michelle Obama will not join her husband, Barack Obama, at Donald Trump's second presidential inauguration, a spokesperson for the former first couple confirmed to PEOPLE on Tuesday, Jan. 14. —Toria Sheffield, People.com, 14 Jan. 2025

President-elect Donald Trump's second inauguration has booked a major country star to perform. —Brendan Morrow, USA TODAY, 14 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1569, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

inauguration

noun

in·​au·​gu·​ra·​tion in-ˌȯ-g(y)ə-ˈrā-shən 

: an act or ceremony of inaugurating