inviting
Americanadjective
adjective
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Etymology
Origin of inviting
Explanation
Inviting things are very appealing. Your host's inviting smile makes you truly feel welcomed and even a little bit charmed. On a hot summer day, nothing looks quite as inviting as a cool, sparkling swimming pool, and when you come inside after walking home in the snow, a cozy fire in the wood stove is also quite inviting. Something inviting promises comfort or pleasure. The word comes from invitation, from the Latin invitare, "invite, treat, or entertain," which originally meant "be pleasant toward."
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
He has also been trying to boost his profile; he recently made an official trip to Poland, inviting along political journalists based in Berlin.
From Barron's • May 29, 2026
The press release describes, “The living room has soaring vaulted ceilings and windowed doors inviting natural light and breathtaking views, complete with a newly built bar area featuring marble countertops and a built-in wine fridge.”
From MarketWatch • May 28, 2026
“I just feel awkward inviting so many people to my home and being like, ‘I’m gonna host you, but also can you pay me so that I can afford to have you over?’”
From The Wall Street Journal • May 21, 2026
That is, until an affectionate aunt and uncle, the Gardiners, intervene on Mary’s behalf, inviting her to London and a fresh start.
From Salon • May 20, 2026
I once asked Ms. Tomoko, our waitress, why it waved, and she explained that Maneki-neko means “beckoning cat,” and waving the left paw means it’s inviting customers into the restaurant.
From "Finding Junie Kim" by Ellen Oh
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
