RSVP
verb (used without object)
to reply to an invitation.
RSVP
American
[ahr-es-vee-pee]
/ ˈɑrˈɛsˈviˈpi /
Or
R.S.V.P.
verb (used without object)
RSVPed,
RSVP'd,
RSVPing,
RSVP'ing
noun
-
RSVP's
plural
-
a reply to an invitation.
He sent a lovely bouquet of flowers with his RSVP.
-
(used on an invitation to indicate that the favor of a reply is requested.)
RSVP
British
abbreviation
R.S.V.P.
Cultural
Other Word Forms
Noun Inflected Forms
Etymology
Origin of RSVP
First recorded in 1895–1900; from French r(épondez) s('il) v(ous) p(laît), “please reply”; cf. respond ( def. ), rendezvous, please
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:
Our mistakes make us human, but admitting them brings us together, and in Ahn’s take on “The Wedding Banquet,” all imperfect parties are welcome to RSVP.
From Salon ● Apr. 18, 2025
But the Mariners are too engaged in their own misery to RSVP.
From Seattle Times ● Sep. 25, 2023
The ceremony will be free and open to the public, as long as they RSVP.
From Los Angeles Times ● Dec. 8, 2022
It will automatically show up on their calendar and they’ll be pushed to RSVP, just like at work.
From Washington Post ● Aug. 5, 2022
“I searched through the list of people who RSVP’d yes, but people, like yours truly, often don’t RSVP, so I have hope.”
From "What If It's Us" by Becky Albertalli and Adam Silvera
R.S.V.P. only if you’re ready for a completely different night at the movies.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 25, 2026
Like many of the group’s events, all of the programs are free with an online R.S.V.P.
From New York Times ● May 9, 2023
Mr. Rafanelli noted that 20 percent of wedding guests decline invitations for health and business conflicts for weddings in general; it’s not frowned upon for you to mark “no” on the R.S.V.P. card.
From New York Times ● Mar. 2, 2022
Click here to R.S.V.P. to a virtual conversation about “Invisible Man,” to be led by Adam Bradley and held on June 17.
From New York Times ● Jun. 3, 2021
No answers are expected to these invitations, unless "R.S.V.P." is on one corner.
From Our Deportment Or the Manners, Conduct and Dress of the Most Refined Society by John H. Young
Unfortunately for my wallet, I’ve already RSVP’d “yes” to all these weddings — I’m just too fearful of missing out, or being judged for not going.
From MarketWatch ● Jul. 7, 2026
The wealth manager invited a number of clients and prospects, but only one couple RSVP’d affirmatively—his cousin, a client, and her boyfriend, a wealthy local businessman whom Bodner considered a prospect, Rosen said.
From The Wall Street Journal ● May 28, 2026
Of those who RSVP’d to the tour, “at least half” aren’t members of the mammoth email bank the senator accumulated during his presidential bids, Sanders said.
From Slate ● Apr. 9, 2025
More than 500,000 people nationwide have RSVP’d to attend one of the 1,200 protests in all 50 states, an effort organized by Hands Off!,
From Los Angeles Times ● Apr. 5, 2025
“I searched through the list of people who RSVP’d yes, but people, like yours truly, often don’t RSVP, so I have hope.”
From "What If It's Us" by Becky Albertalli and Adam Silvera
Would a simple phone call RSVP’ing ‘no’ been better?”
From Salon ● Feb. 18, 2014
According to Republican staffers, Ms. Cheney neither RSVPed to attend the event nor showed up at the last minute on Thursday.
From Washington Times ● Mar. 24, 2022
I RSVPed for one of these events a few weeks back because I wanted to move from the claustrophobic confines of my home to the airless interior of my automobile.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jan. 5, 2021
“Registering for a rally only means you’ve RSVPed with a cell phone number. Every rally is general admission and entry is first-come-first served. But we thank them for their contact information.”
From Slate ● Jun. 21, 2020
“But frankly, if a student shows up and hasn’t RSVPed, I don’t think we’re turning him or her away.”
From Washington Post ● Nov. 21, 2018
In preparing for last year’s march, organizers had posted a 42-question survey that supporters could fill out at the same time they RSVPed for a march.
From Science Magazine ● Apr. 9, 2018
A few etiquette reminders: Start by RSVPing to the party in whatever way the host has asked you to, says Post.
From Los Angeles Times ● Nov. 14, 2023
The problem was so chronic that parents made a weary joke of RSVPing to invitations with the acronym “I.W.C.G.A.S.”
From Slate ● Jul. 3, 2020
So many people ended up RSVPing that attendees were warned that — emergency! — parking would be scarce and the lines for the bar would be long.
From Washington Post ● Dec. 2, 2019
But if you don’t think you can trust her to keep it confidential, then I think your options are somewhat limited, because failing to show up after RSVPing “Yes” would be a pretty noticeable slight.
From Slate ● Oct. 29, 2019
Lock in your spot by RSVPing at concerts.levittlosangeles.org.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 19, 2019
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