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
The ceremony will be free and open to the public, as long as they RSVP.
From Los Angeles Times ● Dec. 8, 2022
For more information and to RSVP, visit the New America website, and read an excerpt from The United States of Anonymous here.
From Slate ● Mar. 26, 2022
No RSVP, no idea who would or wouldn’t show up, just a general, “Hey, let’s all get together and party” kind of thing.
From Washington Post ● Mar. 11, 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
To get an access link to all four works, R.S.V.P. at tworivertheater.org.
From New York Times ● Sep. 23, 2021
We notice that on all English cards the "R.S.V.P." is omitted, and that a plain line of English script is engraved, saying, "The favor of an answer is requested."
From Manners and Social Usages by Mrs. John M. E. W. Sherwood
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 junior editors were hosting one at his office the following week; 50 people had RSVP’d.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jan. 6, 2026
Esveld said 70 people RSVP’d but already they think they have 100.
From Slate ● Oct. 22, 2025
By the evening before the event, 300 people had RSVP’d.
From Los Angeles Times ● Mar. 7, 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
“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
One hundred thirty-five people had RSVPed online, and about half of them showed up.
From Slate ● Jul. 18, 2011
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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