inviting
Americanadjective
adjective
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Etymology
Origin of inviting
Explanation
Inviting things are very appealing. Your host's inviting smile makes you truly feel welcomed and even a little bit charmed. On a hot summer day, nothing looks quite as inviting as a cool, sparkling swimming pool, and when you come inside after walking home in the snow, a cozy fire in the wood stove is also quite inviting. Something inviting promises comfort or pleasure. The word comes from invitation, from the Latin invitare, "invite, treat, or entertain," which originally meant "be pleasant toward."
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.
The press release describes, “The living room has soaring vaulted ceilings and windowed doors inviting natural light and breathtaking views, complete with a newly built bar area featuring marble countertops and a built-in wine fridge.”
From MarketWatch • May 28, 2026
The new episodes will pick up from the season five cliffhanger, in which Emily's on-again, off-again romantic interest Gabriel - played by Bravo - sends her a postcard inviting her on a Greek getaway.
From BBC • May 21, 2026
Trump had initially formed a close bond with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who thrilled Trump in his first term by inviting him to address a huge rally at a cricket stadium.
From Barron's • May 21, 2026
That is, until an affectionate aunt and uncle, the Gardiners, intervene on Mary’s behalf, inviting her to London and a fresh start.
From Salon • May 20, 2026
Her polite knock is answered immediately, inviting her inside.
From "The Night Circus" by Erin Morgenstern
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.
