initial

1 of 3

adjective

ini·​tial i-ˈni-shəl 

1

: of or relating to the beginning : incipient

his initial reaction

2

: placed at the beginning : first

the initial word of the verse

initialness

i-ˈni-shəl-nəs 

noun

initial

2 of 3

noun

1

a

: the first letter of a name

b

initials plural : the first letter of each word in a full name

found that their initials were identical

2

: a large letter beginning a text or a division or paragraph

3

: anlage, precursor

specifically : a meristematic cell

initial

3 of 3

verb

initialed or initialled; initialing or initialling i-ˈni-sh(ə-)liŋ 

transitive verb

1

: to affix an initial to

2

: to authenticate or give preliminary approval to by affixing the initials of an authorizing representative

Synonyms

Adjective

• earliest
• first
• foremost
• headmost
• inaugural
• leadoff
• maiden
• original
• pioneer
• premier
• virgin

Examples of initial in a Sentence

Adjective

you've resolved my initial complaint, but now I have a new question

Noun

President Franklin D. Roosevelt's middle initial stood for “Delano.”

She put her initials on each page of the contract.

The initials F.D.R. stood for “Franklin Delano Roosevelt.”

Verb

She initialed each page of the contract.

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

At the same time, as noted with the illustrative examples with those in the housing goods industries, inquiries and initial connections with premium stores often happen through websites or email, which, by our definition, still qualifies as e-commerce. —Tom Madsen, Forbes, 18 Dec. 2024

Marc Joffe, a visiting fellow with the California Policy Center, said that one possibility would be to complete the initial 119-mile section of the track, from Madera to Shafter, then connect it with existing Amtrak service. —Colleen Shalby, Los Angeles Times, 18 Dec. 2024

Noun

Alex also showed off a gift basket with Sofia's initials embroidered. —Emma Aerin Becker, People.com, 19 Dec. 2024

For a touch of whimsy, layer smaller bows among the large bow in various finishes, patterns, or tail lengths, or incorporate charming accessories like the first initial of the stocking's owner or a tiny pom-pom garland. —Halee Miller Van Ryswyk, Better Homes & Gardens, 13 Dec. 2024

Verb

The serial numbers on those seals are written on a form that is then initialed by the chief inspector and a member of the Board of Absentee Canvassers. —Alison Dirr, Journal Sentinel, 30 Oct. 2024

When those match, it’s marked approved the approver initials the envelope. —Sarah D. Wire, USA TODAY, 28 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Anglo-French & Latin; Anglo-French iniciel, from Latin initialis, from initium beginning, from inire to go into, from in- + ire to go — more at issue entry 1

First Known Use

Adjective

1526, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1627, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Verb

circa 1864, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing initial

• initial coin offering
• initial public offering
• initial rhyme
• initial side

Kids Definition

initial

1 of 3 adjective

ini·​tial in-ˈish-əl 

1

: of, relating to, or existing at the beginning : earliest

initial stages of a disease

2

: placed or standing at the beginning : first

the initial letter of a word

initially

-ˈish-(ə-)lē 

adverb

initial

2 of 3 noun

1

: a first letter of a name

2

: a large letter beginning a text or paragraph

initial

3 of 3 verb

initialed or initialled; initialing or initialling -ˈish-(ə-)liŋ 

: to mark with initials or an initial

initial a handkerchief