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

Only 50 runners earn invitations to what is widely regarded as the national championship for individuals. —James Varsallone, Miami Herald, 23 Dec. 2025

Many have attempted to challenge prenups on those grounds, Hennessey said—The wedding invitations had already gone out! —Jennifer Wilson, New Yorker, 22 Dec. 2025

The Democratic governor’s announcement was first reported Friday by The Sunflower State Journal, which obtained a copy of an invitation from the Kansas Department of Commerce. —Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 21 Dec. 2025

Alienating half the teams in FBS seems like a bad business strategy, not to mention an invitation for antitrust investigations. —Matt Baker, New York Times, 21 Dec. 2025

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