soiree

or soi·rée

[ swah-rey ]

noun

1. an evening party or social gathering, especially one held for a particular purpose:

   a musical soiree.

soiree

/ ˈswɑːreɪ /

noun

1. an evening party or other gathering given usually at a private house, esp where guests are invited to listen to, play, or dance to music

Word History and Origins

Origin of soiree¹

First recorded in 1790–1800; from French “evening, evening party,” equivalent to Old French soir “evening” (from Latin sērō “late” (adverb), originally ablative of sērus ) + -ée, from Latin -āta, feminine of -ātus; -ate ¹; journey

Word History and Origins

Origin of soiree¹

C19: from French, from Old French soir evening, from Latin sērum a late time, from sērus late

Example Sentences

The "events" page only lists one soirée: a town hall gathering with Tea Party Congressman Allen West (R-FL).

From The Daily Beast

Such was the case during a soirée in the 1991 Seinfeld episode, "The Stranded."

From The Daily Beast

The lady of the house has not yet met her husband's friends at the dinner-table, at the social soirée, or in the ball-room.

From Project Gutenberg

To the evening first fixed for the dramatic soirée of the Azure Society he had received no invitation.

From Project Gutenberg

During this same soirée of November 19 I ask that the violin, which has fallen to the floor, be brought again upon the table.

From Project Gutenberg

This morning I recall with a kind of anxious curiosity the least details of this very fascinating soirée.

From Project Gutenberg

Monsieur will give me the hope to see him, with Monsieur son fils, at my Soirée Fantastique, n'est-ce pas?

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• banquet
• barbecue
• bash
• feast
• festivity
• gala
• luncheon
• reception
• shindig