invitation-only event

noun phrase
UK /ˌɪnvɪˈteɪʃən ˈəʊnli ɪˈvent/
US /ˌɪnvɪˈteɪʃən ˈoʊnli ɪˈvent/

A party or gathering you can go to only if someone asks you to come.

The art show was an invitation-only event, so we needed a special card to get in.

SYNONYMS

private eventexclusive gatheringclosed eventby-invitation event

RELATED WORDS

guest listRSVPVIPexclusiveprivate party

OTHER MEANINGS

2. A meeting or ceremony that is not open to the public.

The award ceremony was an invitation-only event for family and friends.

3. A party where only people on a special list may enter.

The club's anniversary was an invitation-only event with a strict guest list.

4. A gathering that requires a personal invite instead of a ticket.

The dinner was an invitation-only event, so you could not buy a seat.