invitational

Etymology

It is formed from English invitation + -al.^[1][2][3][4] Invitation is from Latin invītātiō (“an invitation, incitement, challenge”), a noun of action from invītō (“to invite, treat, entertain”).^[2][1]

Earliest recorded meaning

Etymonline dates the adjective to 1894.^[2] Merriam-Webster dates the sense "limited to invited participants" to 1918,^[5] and the OED's first record, for "characterized by invitation", is from 1922, in Chambers's Journal.^[1]

Semantic evolution

The adjective is used chiefly in North America, of a contest open only to those invited,^[3][6] and also of something written or prepared on request, such as an article.^[5] The noun, short for invitational tournament, is recorded by 1940;^[2] the OED queries whether it is only North American.^[1]

Timeline

• 1894 – adjective.^[2]
• 1918 – limited to invited participants.^[5]
• 1922 – characterized by invitation.^[1]
• 1940 – noun, an invitational tournament.^[2]

Meanings

Adjective

1. Open only to those who are invited: an invitational chess tournament.^[6][5][3]
2. Written or prepared in answer to a request.^[5]
3. Marked by invitation; inviting.^[1][3]

Noun

1. A sports contest in which only invited players or teams take part.^[6][5][3]

Related words

• invite
• invitation

References

1. ^ a b c d e f Oxford English Dictionary Online (accessed March 2026), Oxford: Oxford University Press
2. ^ a b c d e f Harper, Douglas. Online Etymology Dictionary, https://www.etymonline.com
3. ^ a b c d e Shorter Oxford English Dictionary on Historical Principles (2002), 5th ed., ed. William R. Trumble and Angus Stevenson, Oxford: Oxford University Press
4. ^ Dictionary.com Unabridged (2016), based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, New York: Random House
5. ^ a b c d e f Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary (2024), online ed., Springfield, Mass.: Merriam-Webster
6. ^ a b c Collins English Dictionary (2023), Glasgow: HarperCollins