RSVP
verb (used without object)
to reply to an invitation.
RSVP
American
[ahr-es-vee-pee]
/ ˈɑrˈɛsˈviˈpi /
Or
R.S.V.P.
verb (used without object)
RSVPed,
RSVP'd,
RSVPing,
RSVP'ing
noun
-
RSVP's
plural
-
a reply to an invitation.
He sent a lovely bouquet of flowers with his RSVP.
-
(used on an invitation to indicate that the favor of a reply is requested.)
RSVP
British
abbreviation
R.S.V.P.
Cultural
Other Word Forms
Noun Inflected Forms
Etymology
Origin of RSVP
First recorded in 1895–1900; from French r(épondez) s('il) v(ous) p(laît), “please reply”; cf. respond ( def. ), rendezvous, please
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.
See Examples For:
SpareRoom’s speed roommating events are free with an RSVP, and each person receives two complimentary drinks along with a one month trial of SpareRoom premium.
From Los Angeles Times ● Nov. 21, 2025
Our mistakes make us human, but admitting them brings us together, and in Ahn’s take on “The Wedding Banquet,” all imperfect parties are welcome to RSVP.
From Salon ● Apr. 18, 2025
To learn more or RSVP, join the group page on Meetup.com.
From Seattle Times ● Mar. 1, 2023
It will automatically show up on their calendar and they’ll be pushed to RSVP, just like at work.
From Washington Post ● Aug. 5, 2022
“I searched through the list of people who RSVP’d yes, but people, like yours truly, often don’t RSVP, so I have hope.”
From "What If It's Us" by Becky Albertalli and Adam Silvera
R.S.V.P. only if you’re ready for a completely different night at the movies.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 25, 2026
He or she would make restaurant reservations, R.S.V.P. to events, and “create detailed travel itineraries for family to follow” for domestic or international excursions — passports to hotels to airport escorts.
From New York Times ● Feb. 26, 2023
Click here to R.S.V.P. to a virtual conversation about “Invisible Man,” to be led by Adam Bradley and held on June 17.
From New York Times ● Jun. 3, 2021
You might R.S.V.P. a couple of hours before the performance, where sterling renditions of rarely heard repertoire would lend a vivid, unexpected charge to the evening.
From New York Times ● Feb. 17, 2021
R.S.V.P. can be substituted for the last phrase, if desired.
From Social Life or, The Manners and Customs of Polite Society by Maud C. Cooke
Unfortunately for my wallet, I’ve already RSVP’d “yes” to all these weddings — I’m just too fearful of missing out, or being judged for not going.
From MarketWatch ● Jul. 7, 2026
The junior editors were hosting one at his office the following week; 50 people had RSVP’d.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jan. 6, 2026
Or maybe it was just seeing if enough people RSVP’d to qualify.
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 18, 2023
The first GOP presidential primary debate is coming up in two weeks, and Donald Trump has not yet RSVP’d.
From Slate ● Aug. 10, 2023
“I searched through the list of people who RSVP’d yes, but people, like yours truly, often don’t RSVP, so I have hope.”
From "What If It's Us" by Becky Albertalli and Adam Silvera
Would a simple phone call RSVP’ing ‘no’ been better?”
From Salon ● Feb. 18, 2014
I RSVPed for one of these events a few weeks back because I wanted to move from the claustrophobic confines of my home to the airless interior of my automobile.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jan. 5, 2021
“But frankly, if a student shows up and hasn’t RSVPed, I don’t think we’re turning him or her away.”
From Washington Post ● Nov. 21, 2018
In preparing for last year’s march, organizers had posted a 42-question survey that supporters could fill out at the same time they RSVPed for a march.
From Science Magazine ● Apr. 9, 2018
“We waited to see who RSVPed, then we started thinking about what we could do with the people we knew were coming,” said Lorne Michaels last week.
From Washington Times ● Feb. 11, 2015
One hundred thirty-five people had RSVPed online, and about half of them showed up.
From Slate ● Jul. 18, 2011
A few etiquette reminders: Start by RSVPing to the party in whatever way the host has asked you to, says Post.
From Los Angeles Times ● Nov. 14, 2023
The problem was so chronic that parents made a weary joke of RSVPing to invitations with the acronym “I.W.C.G.A.S.”
From Slate ● Jul. 3, 2020
So many people ended up RSVPing that attendees were warned that — emergency! — parking would be scarce and the lines for the bar would be long.
From Washington Post ● Dec. 2, 2019
But if you don’t think you can trust her to keep it confidential, then I think your options are somewhat limited, because failing to show up after RSVPing “Yes” would be a pretty noticeable slight.
From Slate ● Oct. 29, 2019
Lock in your spot by RSVPing at concerts.levittlosangeles.org.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 19, 2019
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