RSVP

American  

[ahr-es-vee-pee] / ˈɑrˈɛsˈviˈpi /

Or R.S.V.P.

verb (used without object)

RSVPed, RSVP'd, RSVPing, RSVP'ing

1. to reply to an invitation.

   Don't forget to RSVP before Thursday.

---

noun

plural

RSVP's

1. a reply to an invitation.

   He sent a lovely bouquet of flowers with his RSVP.

2. (used on an invitation to indicate that the favor of a reply is requested.)

RSVP British  

abbreviation

1. répondez s'il vous plaît

---

R.S.V.P. Cultural  

1. Please reply or answer. From the French, “répondez s'il vous plaît,” meaning “respond if you please.”

---

Etymology

Origin of RSVP

First recorded in 1895–1900; from French r(épondez) s('il) v(ous) p(laît), “please reply”; respond ( def. ), rendezvous, please

Example Sentences

SpareRoom’s speed roommating events are free with an RSVP, and each person receives two complimentary drinks along with a one month trial of SpareRoom premium.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 21, 2025

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

Done: The honest and kind way to bow out respectfully would be to RSVP: “I’m so sorry I can’t attend, please pass along my congratulations to the twins. Now — they are men!”

From Washington Post • Sep. 25, 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