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

Both declined invitations to participate, as did Minnesota’s Kayla McBride. — Sabreena Merchant, New York Times, 21 July 2026

Sabrina Ionescu and Kayla McBride also declined invitations to participate. — Dan Zaksheske Outkick, FOXNews.com, 21 July 2026

Declining an invitation to perform at the Kennedy Center will have an equal and opposite political effect. — Caitlin Huston, HollywoodReporter, 21 July 2026

Read More TopicsWedding InspirationVogue Weddings Vogue Weddings An all-access invitation to the exceptional and inspirational, plus planning tips and advice. — Shelby Wax, Vogue, 15 July 2026

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