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. —Preston Fore, Fortune, 16 Sep. 2025

Forbes Business Development Council is an invitation-only community for sales and biz dev executives. —Sandy Anderson, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 2025

The Observer, Notre Dame's student newspaper, reported that an invitation to Eman Abdelhadi, a University of Chicago professor and grassroots organizer, to speak about pro-Palestine organizing was rescinded, citing the event's inability to adhere to the university safety policy. —Cate Charron, IndyStar, 9 Sep. 2025

Longo’s work is similarly an invitation to reflect on the intersection of art and catastrophe, the beautiful and the horrific. —Kristen Tauer, Footwear News, 6 Sep. 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