cocktail party

noun

1. a social gathering, often held during the cocktail hour, at which cocktails and other alcoholic beverages, hors d'oeuvres, and canapés are served.

Word History and Origins

Origin of cocktail party¹

First recorded in 1925–30

Example Sentences

Hogan was at a cocktail party before the 2023 Edgar Awards, where he was nominated for his last novel, “Gangland,” when his literary agent told him about the project and stipulations associated with it.

From Los Angeles Times

Jack Paar was the witty conversationalist that made Middle America feel like it was invited to a sophisticated Manhattan cocktail party.

From Los Angeles Times

In May, I attended one of their events — supposedly a symposium, definitely a cocktail party and perhaps a fundraiser — at a home in Brentwood.

From Los Angeles Times

“Are you going to go to a cocktail party with somebody who’s super rich and then pass a law that benefits them?” he demanded.

From Los Angeles Times

She was set to depart Accra, the Ghanaian capital, in hours, just after the embassy cocktail party ended.

From Los Angeles Times