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

Industry opposition already watered down one anti-smuggling bill, Bloomberg noted, and Huang recently snubbed a congressional invitation to testify on the problem. — Ashley Belanger, ArsTechnica, 2 Oct. 2026

An invitation was extended to Democratic candidate Xavier Becerra. — Los Angeles Times, 2 Oct. 2026

And in 2025, Clockout users sent nearly 400,000 invitations for other people to join the platform. — Joshua Hong, Fortune, 2 Oct. 2026

The terms of collaboration As tensions between the district and county office continue to mount, McArn declined SCOE’s invitation for the district’s CBO and other finance staff to join weekly meetings to work on budget solutions. — Chaewon Chung updated October 1, Sacbee.com, 1 Oct. 2026

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