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

When Officer Slater learns that the scheduling conflict was caused by an invitation to attend a junket hosted by the Historical Law Society, and later, that Doussaint’s companion at the junket was not his wife but Chloe the consultant, well. —Sophie Brookover, Vulture, 9 May 2025

In the middle of it all is the playfully gruff Coopersmith, greeting customers with hugs and handshakes, maybe an invitation for some leftover birthday cake. —Shauna Lyon, New Yorker, 9 May 2025

Steiner's selection is an open invitation to do just that. —CBS News, 9 May 2025

That program is expected to start on May 19, and public health officials said 26,000 eligible properties would receive a postcard invitation with more information. —Tony Briscoe, Los Angeles Times, 9 May 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