invitation

noun

in·​vi·​ta·​tion ˌin-və-ˈtā-shən 

1

a

: the act of inviting

b

: an often formal request to be present or participate

2

: incentive, inducement

Examples of invitation in a Sentence

We sent out more than 100 invitations for the party.

Recent Examples on the Web

Read More TopicsVogue WeddingsWedding Inspiration Vogue Weddings An all-access invitation to the exceptional and inspirational, plus planning tips and advice. — Shelby Wax, Vogue, 14 July 2026

Ferlinghetti’s friendship with Jack Kerouac — and his invitations to escape the Bay Area for the solitude of the Big Sur coast — tied the poet and the novelist to the same stretch of rugged landscape that still draws tourists and artists today. — David Caraccio updated July 13, Sacbee.com, 13 July 2026

The Rays right-hander celebrated his first All-Star invitation on Friday night with a typically efficient five-plus-inning outing in a 7-2 Tampa Bay victory over Seattle. — John Romano, The Orlando Sentinel, 13 July 2026

Newspapers piled in front of a house are like an invitation to an open house. — Jeanne Phillips, Mercury News, 13 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing invitation

• at the invitation of
• by invitation only
• standing/open invitation

Rhymes for invitation

• abdication
• aberration
• abjuration
• abnegation
• abrogation
• acceptation
• acclamation
• acclimation
• accusation
• activation
• actuation
• acylation

Kids Definition

invitation

noun

in·​vi·​ta·​tion ˌin-və-ˈtā-shən 

1

: the act of inviting

2

: the written, printed, or spoken expression by which a person is invited

invitational

-shnəl, 

-shən-ᵊl

adjective