inauguration

/ɪnɑgjəˈrʌɪʃɪn/

/ɪnɔgjəˈrʌɪʃən/

Other forms: inaugurations

An inauguration is a ceremony that formally marks the start of something. You’ve probably seen the inauguration ceremony when a new president takes office.

Inauguration can refer to a formal ceremony, such as one marking the start of a new term in office or the opening of a new wing in a museum, but it can be used more broadly to describe a less formal beginning. Your boss may make you responsible for the inauguration of a new system at work. There probably won’t be a ceremony for that inauguration — in this case, inauguration just indicates that a new practice is being introduced.

Definitions of inauguration

1. noun

   the ceremonial induction into a position
   “the new president obviously enjoyed his inauguration”

   synonyms: inaugural

   type of:

   induction, initiation, installation

   a formal entry into an organization or position or office
2. noun

   the act of starting a new operation or practice
   “he opposed the inauguration of fluoridation”

   synonyms: startup

   type of:

   beginning, commencement, start

   the act of starting something