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in‧vi‧ta‧tion
1 [countable] a written or spoken request to someone, inviting them to go somewhere or do something COLLOCATIONS COLLOCATIONS 
invitation to do something receive/get an invitation accept an invitation (=say yes) refuse/turn down/decline an invitation (=say no) issue/extend an invitation formal (=invite someone) open/standing invitation (=an invitation to do something at any time you like) dinner/lunch invitation formal invitation
COLLOCATIONS invitation to do something receive/get an invitation accept an invitation (=say yes) refuse/turn down/decline an invitation (=say no) issue/extend an invitation formal (=invite someone) open/standing invitation (=an invitation to do something at any time you like) dinner/lunch invitation formal invitation
2 [uncountable] the act of being invited or of inviting someone to go somewhere or do something 
They were always dropping by, usually without invitation.
by invitation Attendance at the seminars is by invitation only (=only those people who have been invited can attend).
Attendance at the seminars is by invitation only (=only those people who have been invited can attend).They were always dropping by, usually without invitation. at somebody's invitation/at the invitation of somebody Kegl traveled to Nicaragua at the invitation of the education minister.
Kegl traveled to Nicaragua at the invitation of the education minister.3 [countable] a card inviting someone to attend a party, wedding etc
invitation to Did you get an invitation to Jason's party?
Did you get an invitation to Jason's party?4 [singular, uncountable] encouragement to do something
take something as an invitation to do something He seemed to take my silence as an invitation to talk.
He seemed to take my silence as an invitation to talk.5 to make it very easy for someone to rob you or harm you : Leaving the car unlocked is just an open invitation to thieves.
be an open invitation for/to somebody
Leaving the car unlocked is just an open invitation to thieves.