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

South Africa walked back earlier complaints that Washington pressured France to rescind its invitation to attend June’s G7 summit, a U-turn that may defuse a diplomatic row. —Tiisetso Motsoeneng, semafor.com, 27 Mar. 2026

Almost entirely shot with real flora and fauna using cutting-edge technology, the feature film was itself an invitation to discover natural wonders from a new point of view. —Kevin Giraud, Variety, 27 Mar. 2026

Think of it as an invitation into her world. —Hanna Wickes, Charlotte Observer, 27 Mar. 2026

The upcoming Artemis 2 mission to launch astronauts on a 10-day mission around the moon is lifting off on SLS, and the crew's attendance tonight at Johnson's invitation will no doubt serve as an excellent symbol of Louisiana's contributions to the national stage. —Josh Dinner, Space.com, 27 Mar. 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