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. —Jeremy Kahn, Fortune, 21 Oct. 2025

At its absolute best, vermut embraces the art of the pause, an invitation to slow down with nothing more complicated than an ice cube and an orange slice. —Joseph Hernandez, Bon Appetit Magazine, 21 Oct. 2025

More than a self-help manual, Soul Sight is an invitation to change one’s vision. —Malana Vantyler, USA Today, 21 Oct. 2025

For almost three hours, at the invitation-only ceremony, the three inductees were celebrated with words, song and ovations in the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum’s intimate CMA Theater. —Nancy Kruh, PEOPLE, 20 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