invitation

American  

[in-vi-tey-shuhn] / ˌɪn vɪˈteɪ ʃən /

noun

1. the act of inviting. inviting.

2. the written or spoken form with which a person is invited.

3. something offered as a suggestion.

   an invitation to consider a business merger.

4. attraction or incentive; allurement.

5. a provocation.

   The speech was an invitation to rebellion.

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adjective

1. invitational.

invitation British  

/ ˌɪnvɪˈteɪʃən /

noun

1. 1. the act of inviting, such as an offer of entertainment or hospitality

   2. ( as modifier )

      an invitation dance

      an invitation race

2. the act of enticing or attracting; allurement

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Other Word Forms

• preinvitation noun
• reinvitation noun

Etymology

Origin of invitation

1590–1600; < Latin invītātiōn- (stem of invītātiō ), equivalent to invītāt ( us ) (past participle of invītāre to invite ) + -iōn- -ion

Example Sentences

He started the tournament 57th in the world rankings but will end the year in the top 50, which guarantees an invitation to Augusta.

From Barron's

Think of this as your 2026 kitchen companion: a series of invitations to slow down, play and savor what it means to feed yourself, and maybe others, really well.

From Salon

"It is with a deep sense of honour and respect that I accept your invitation to become patron of the Special Air Service Regimental Association," he said.

From BBC

A new city can be a challenge—see, eat, experience it all—or an invitation to zoom in on one area and live like a local.

From The Wall Street Journal

Adoption was hot out of the gate, with over a million downloads in the first five days, even though it was only on the iOS App Store, and was available by invitation only.

From Barron's

Related Words

• appeal
• bid
• challenge
• date
• encouragement
• overture
• petition
• proposition
• request
• solicitation
• suggestion
• summons