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.
The moment came when an audience member named Billy, a former NBC sales employee, recounted meeting O’Brien at a 1993 cocktail party on the top floor of 30 Rock. Dave Smith, Fortune, 8 Sep. 2025 Before long, Jesse Palmer is ringing his glass, bringing the cocktail party to an end. Katie Campione, Deadline, 2 Sep. 2025 The event can be a formal sit-down dinner with your family, a backyard cocktail party with live music, 100 guests, and catering, or a casual get-together at a bar with your local crew. Shelby Wax, Vogue, 29 Aug. 2025 The costars were invited to a cocktail party with the rest of the cast. Ralphie Aversa, USA Today, 29 Aug. 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 10 Sep. 2025.

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