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

Margo accepts the invitation and then goes into Susie’s room to work. —Erin Qualey, Vulture, 22 Apr. 2026

Its after-effects have derailed her life, and an unexpected email invitation to attend a retirement party in France honoring her former lover sends her into a tailspin. —Los Angeles Times, 22 Apr. 2026

In the summer of 2005, Guggenheim attended — pretty much on a whim — a Gore slideshow at the Beverly Hilton at the invitation of producer Lawrence Bender and activist/producer Laurie David. —Steven Zeitchik, HollywoodReporter, 22 Apr. 2026

Content created by members of Rolling Stone Culture Council, an invitation-only network of industry professionals who share their insights with our audience. —Richard P. Weigand, Rolling Stone, 22 Apr. 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