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

New mothers need an invitation to recognize fury and terror in the middle of all the sweetness and joy. —Literary Hub, 16 Dec. 2025

DeLeo says of accepting Haynes’ invitation. —Garret K. Woodward, Rolling Stone, 15 Dec. 2025

Much of the recruiting effort happens outside the conference center itself, at semisecret, invitation-only events in downtown San Diego. —Alex Reisner, The Atlantic, 14 Dec. 2025

The team’s decision to reject a bowl invitation and end their season after being denied a College Football Playoff slot didn’t go over well with many fans and sports pundits, who accused the Fighting Irish, essentially, of taking their ball and going home. —Robert Abitbol, USA Today, 13 Dec. 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