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

Then came an invitation from the USA Hockey National Team Development Program. —Lia Assimakopoulos dallas Stars, Dallas Morning News, 6 Feb. 2026

Her decision sparked controversy, and the Department of Education stepped in and extended an invitation to Steigmann. —Lisa Rozner, CBS News, 6 Feb. 2026

Questions over Royal Caribbean’s Mahahual mega-project emerged in July, when residents were notified of a private, invitation-only meeting. —Natalie Leticia Gallón, Miami Herald, 6 Feb. 2026

Thursday, a few hours before the NFL Honors show and Pro Football Hall of Fame’s formal invitation to 49ers great Roger Craig, the league confirmed the 49ers would be their opponent at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. —Cam Inman, Mercury News, 5 Feb. 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