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Meaning & use

cocktail party

noun·Everyday

Last updated

UK/ˈkɒkteɪl ˌpɑːti/
US/ˈkɑːkteɪl ˌpɑːrti/

Meaning

  1. nouncountable

    A social event where people stand, talk, and drink cocktails or other drinks, often in the late afternoon or early evening.

    Grammar: Countable; use 'a cocktail party' or 'cocktail parties'.

    Patterns

    • at a cocktail party
    • go to a cocktail party
    • hold a cocktail party

    She met her future boss at a cocktail party in London.

    They are hosting a cocktail party for the new employees next Friday.

    Cocktail parties can be awkward if you don't know anyone.

Word forms

pluralcocktail parties

Common combinations

cocktail party conversation
The weather is a safe topic for cocktail party conversation.
cocktail party circuit
He spent years on the cocktail party circuit before settling down.
cocktail party atmosphere
The room had a lively cocktail party atmosphere.
cocktail party dress
She wore a black cocktail party dress.

Synonyms and how they differ

reception
A reception is a more formal social gathering, often after a wedding or ceremony, and may include food and seating.
mixer
A mixer is an informal event designed to help people meet each other, often without alcohol.

Word family

cocktail noun
A mixed alcoholic drink.
party noun
A social gathering of people.

Commonly confused: cocktail party or cocktail hour?

cocktail party vs cocktail hour

Cocktail hour is a period before a meal when drinks are served, not a full party.

Practice

At a cocktail party, people usually ______.

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