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

All Democratic governors subsequently received invitations to the meeting, but Moore and Polis later heard from the White House that their invitations had been rescinded. —Sarah Fortinsky, The Hill, 20 Feb. 2026

The invitation came from a Dutch entrepreneur named Egbert Edelbroek, who would be one of the panelists. —Literary Hub, 20 Feb. 2026

The Rolling Stone Culture Council is an invitation-only community for Influencers, Innovators and Creatives. —Nancy Pulciano, Rolling Stone, 20 Feb. 2026

Romero Brito created signature artwork for the posters and invitations. —Miami Herald Archives, Miami Herald, 20 Feb. 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