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

But the security team checking invitations, waiting photographers, and hundreds of fans in attendance were in the dark. —Bryan Alexander, USA Today, 21 May 2025

During the appearance, Perez showed off a Pacers tattoo on his wrist and was surprised by a video call from Haliburton, who delivered the invitation personally. —Tobias Bass, New York Times, 20 May 2025

Here, there’s a constant invitation to see events from a different perspective: the broke kid from the wrong side of the tracks who’s abandoned by his mom, or the nerdy outcast who plays video games and has a crush on the hottest girl in school. —Wilson Chapman, IndieWire, 20 May 2025

The art of hospitality, the invitation to neighbor, is in actuality an investment in radical care, spiritual healing, and Black liberation. —Essence, 20 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