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

The event is invitation-only but will also be livestreamed. —Eric D. Lawrence, Freep.com, 11 Nov. 2025

At 16, he was telephoned by Arsenal’s academy director Andries Jonker with an invitation to appear in a one-off trial match, where Ballard shone. —Michael Walker, New York Times, 10 Nov. 2025

The Rolling Stone Culture Council is an invitation-only community for Influencers, Innovators and Creatives. —Kelly Ehlers, Rolling Stone, 10 Nov. 2025

Safety Kamari Ramsey and linebacker Eric Gentry both received invitations to the East-West Shrine Bowl on Thursday. —Haley Sawyer, Oc Register, 8 Nov. 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