invitation

noun

in·​vi·​ta·​tion ˌin-və-ˈtā-shən How to pronounce invitation (audio)
Synonyms of invitationnext
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
As is the case with its poultry cousin, chicken, that’s an invitation to foodborne disease bacteria. — David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 16 Oct. 2026 Zhuo, the early Facebook employee, planned a party for her college reunion — everything from tracking down everyone’s emails to sending out invitations via Paperless Post. — Adam Clark Estes, Vox, 16 Oct. 2026 Former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms appeared alone Monday after her Republican opponent in the governor's race, Rick Jackson, declined the club's invitation. — Monique John, CBS News, 15 Oct. 2026 But Ohtani rejected Roberts’ invitation to remove himself — after a season of fighting biceps and knee issues — from the lineup. — Mirjam Swanson, Los Angeles Times, 15 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for invitation

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of invitation was in the 15th century

Phrases Containing invitation

Rhymes for invitation

See All Rhymes for invitation

Browse Nearby Words

invitant
invitation
invitational
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Invitation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/invitation. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

invitation

noun
in·​vi·​ta·​tion ˌin-və-ˈtā-shən How to pronounce invitation (audio)
1
: the act of inviting
2
: the written, printed, or spoken expression by which a person is invited
invitational
-shnəl, 
-shən-ᵊl
adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on invitation

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