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

CEOs and global leaders will gather for a dynamic, invitation-only event shaping the future of business. —Shawn Tully, Fortune, 8 Oct. 2025

In the middle innings, the spotlight centered on Jacob Misiorowski, the 6-foot-7 rookie right-hander who merited an invitation to the All-Star Game this summer after only five starts. —Andy McCullough, New York Times, 7 Oct. 2025

Two days before invitations were mailed, the pair decided on a private ceremony attended only by parents and siblings. —Ashley Vega, PEOPLE, 7 Oct. 2025

Dodge attempted to keep their correspondence up, but Stein’s replies grew more and more infrequent, and further invitations to the Villa Curonia were coldly refused. —Via Scribner, Literary Hub, 7 Oct. 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