cocktail party

noun

: an informal or semiformal party or gathering at which cocktails are served

Examples of cocktail party in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The timing makes sense: After a holiday season filled with cocktail parties and not-so-healthy meals, the idea of cleansing the body of excess seems attractive. Vicky Vera, Glamour, 24 Jan. 2025 As fire erupted in Pacific Palisades, she was photographed at a cocktail party in Accra. Daniel Foster, National Review, 23 Jan. 2025 That’s just an adorable, incredible, mind-blowing idea that always got a laugh when Steve and I would mention it at cocktail parties. Anne Thompson, IndieWire, 10 Jan. 2025 Related Articles Maison Margiela is launching an exclusive Miami Art Week capsule collection with artist Kozo, which will be celebrated during an invite-only cocktail party on Dec. 4. Kristen Tauer, WWD, 26 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for cocktail party 

Word History

First Known Use

1903, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of cocktail party was in 1903

Dictionary Entries Near cocktail party

Cite this Entry

“Cocktail party.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cocktail%20party. Accessed 2 Feb. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on cocktail party

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!