invitational

[ in-vi-tey-shuh-nl ]

/ ˌɪn vɪˈteɪ ʃə nl /

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adjective

restricted to participants who have been invited: an invitational track meet.

noun

an event, as a sports competition or an art exhibit, restricted to those who have been invited to participate.

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Origin of invitational

First recorded in 1920–25; invitation + -al¹

With its size, the community also hosts a variety of festivals and activities, such as an annual wine festival in September and a mid-June golf invitational.
A visitor’s guide to Deep Creek Lake, Smith Mountain Lake and Lake Anna|Amanda Loudin|June 3, 2021|Washington Post
The sandwiches above are the grilled cheeses of six competitors in the 2011 Grilled Cheese Invitational.
The Art of Grilled Cheese|Isabel Wilkinson|April 22, 2011|DAILY BEAST
According to invitational veteran Alex Brown, of the Hot Knives Kitchen, winning is about keeping it simple.
The Art of Grilled Cheese|Isabel Wilkinson|April 22, 2011|DAILY BEAST
At the WGC-Bridgestone Invitational, he posted his worst four-round score as a professional golfer at 18-over par.
Tiger Woods Is Never Coming Back|Buzz Bissinger|April 14, 2011|DAILY BEAST

"Just tell them it's a super-private party, invitational only," I said.
Little Brother|Cory Doctorow
Without the smallest premeditation, Charles bent and touched his lips to that smooth invitational cheek.
Angela's Business|Henry Sydnor Harrison