invite
Americanverb (used with object)
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to request the presence or participation of in a kindly, courteous, or complimentary way, especially to request to come or go to some place, gathering, entertainment, etc., or to do something.
to invite friends to dinner.
- Synonyms:
- bid
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to request politely or formally.
to invite donations.
- Synonyms:
- solicit
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to act so as to bring on or render probable.
to invite accidents by fast driving.
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to call forth or give occasion for.
Those big shoes invite laughter.
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to attract, allure, entice, or tempt.
verb (used without object)
noun
verb
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to ask (a person or persons) in a friendly or polite way (to do something, attend an event, etc)
he invited them to dinner
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to make a request for, esp publicly or formally
to invite applications
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to bring on or provoke; give occasion for
you invite disaster by your actions
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to welcome or tempt
noun
Synonym Usage
See call.
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
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inviteenoun
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inviternoun
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invitornoun
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reinviteverb
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preinviteverb (used with object)
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quasi-invitedadjective
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self-invitedadjective
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uninvitedadjective
Inflected Forms
Nouns
Participles
Conjugated Forms
Present
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invitesimple
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invitessimple
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have invitedperfect
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has invitedperfect
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am invitingprogressive
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are invitingprogressive
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is invitingprogressive
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have been invitingperfect progressive
-
has been invitingperfect progressive
Past
-
invitedsimple
-
had invitedperfect
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was invitingprogressive
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were invitingprogressive
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had been invitingperfect progressive
Future
Etymology
Origin of invite
First recorded in 1525–35, invite is from the Latin word invītāre
Explanation
When you invite a friend to do something, you request her company, or encourage her to come with you. You might invite a group of neighbors to help you throw a block party. You could invite your friend to join you on a road trip, or invite your parents to your art show at a local gallery. You're making a polite request. Similarly, a newspaper might invite readers' comments, or a school might invite ideas for how to spend grant money. Invite is also casual shorthand for "invitation." When you tempt someone to react, you also invite that reaction: "Your strange film really invites harsh criticism."
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:
Joshua declined Fury's invite to face-off in the ring after the latter's victory over Arslanbek Makhmudov in April but the Olympic gold medallist admits a face-off might not be far off.
From BBC ● Jul. 22, 2026
"So, we would like to invite any technical company and industry partner, come talk to us. We would like to scale this up with you."
From Barron's ● Jul. 21, 2026
“It will simply invite more chaos and a less desirable appointment.”
From Slate ● Jul. 18, 2026
Earlier this year, President Trump encouraged Americans to embrace a “national Sabbath” and invite “friends, families, and communities of all backgrounds” to step back from their devices for a day of gratitude and rest.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 16, 2026
“It seems odd to invite Candace over on a random weeknight. It’s Monday. Shouldn’t this be, like, a weekend thing? That way, Aunt J could join us,” he says, feigning innocence.
From "Split the Sky" by Marie Arnold
And many a Toluca Lake resident enjoys some theme park perks courtesy of Universal, such as free parking, and invites to pre-opening events at the park.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 24, 2026
They’re kidding, but he invites himself along anyway, in the hope that hanging with 20-somethings will miraculously make him hip.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 24, 2026
Neither method invites the average citizen’s voice or participation.
From Slate ● Jul. 20, 2026
"We often receive wedding invites from players who met through Pokémon Go... because it's been such an integral part of their relationship."
From BBC ● Jul. 13, 2026
Does that mean he never invites others to his home, either, where such a vulnerability is hanging right on his wall?
From "Warcross" by Marie Lu
Reagan invited Kennedy to the White House and offered him the nomination.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 26, 2026
The Labour activists were invited to canvass with him and make edits of his time on the Makerfield by-election campaign trail in a language and style that resonates with people online.
From BBC ● Jul. 23, 2026
There are many meanings that have been inscribed to “Cut Piece,” in which Ono invited the audience to come on stage and, with a pair scissors, cut off a small piece of her dress.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 21, 2026
The proposed award to fund the South African crime research was later widened to allow other invited groups to apply for a $1 million grant, according to people with knowledge of the process.
From Salon ● Jul. 21, 2026
“Also, I meant to tell you kids yesterday—Candace is having a gallery opening for an exhibit and invited us all to come. It’s Saturday at noon,” he says.
From "Split the Sky" by Marie Arnold
“The spacious living room is anchored by a wood-burning fireplace and filled with natural light, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere for everyday living and entertaining,” the listing reads.
From MarketWatch ● Jul. 24, 2026
Protesters are inviting soccer fans to join them in issuing referee-style red cards during the World Cup final.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 19, 2026
In late May we reconvened in Athens, inviting other faith leaders to join us in developing and applying that ethical language.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 9, 2026
The shop is now inviting fans to register for its next kit drop, but can't guarantee all jerseys will be received in time for Saturday's big match.
From BBC ● Jul. 9, 2026
“Thanks for inviting me over, Maggie,” I said.
From "The Line Tender" by Kate Allen
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.
