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 smooches were flying fast and furious during the cocktail party. Kristen Baldwin, Entertainment Weekly, 2 Oct. 2025 For the Rolliefest finale, Hess and his team of organizers arranged a farewell cocktail party in the winter garden of the new private residences at the Waldorf Astoria, fresh off an almost-eight-year, multibillion dollar restoration. Victoria Gomelsky, Robb Report, 1 Oct. 2025 The new event space, which opened in May, can accommodate up to 160 people for a cocktail party and up to 200 people for a wedding. Michael Salerno, AZCentral.com, 29 Sep. 2025 As West reports, Dubno’s update puts us in the head of an unnamed twentysomething who judges her peers at a cocktail party. Brittany Allen, Literary Hub, 25 Sep. 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 8 Oct. 2025.

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