cocktail party

noun

: an informal or semiformal party or gathering at which cocktails are served

Examples of cocktail party in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Ever wanted to host a cocktail party for 200 people? Leah Asmelash, CNN Money, 5 Nov. 2025 Next Hammered Metal Wine Cooler This wine cooler will come in handy year-round for girls' nights, cocktail parties, and beyond. Maggie Horton, PEOPLE, 2 Nov. 2025 On Monday evening, WWD kicked off its 2025 CEO Summit with a cocktail party, cohosted by Salesforce, in celebration of the publication’s 115-year milestone. Kristen Tauer, Footwear News, 28 Oct. 2025 At the Academy Museum cocktail party preceding it, the awards circuit still had its new-car smell; everyone seemed a little more excited to slip into their tuxedos and gravity-defying gowns (or, in the case of Kim Kardashian, a head-encompassing beige silk scarf). Dana Harris-Bridson, IndieWire, 20 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for cocktail party

Word History

First Known Use

1903, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of cocktail party was in 1903

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Cite this Entry

“Cocktail party.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cocktail%20party. Accessed 11 Nov. 2025.

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