cocktail party

noun

1. a social gathering, often held during the cocktail hour, at which cocktails and other alcoholic beverages, hors d'oeuvres, and canapés are served.

Word History and Origins

Origin of cocktail party¹

First recorded in 1925–30

Example Sentences

They talk about stuff that they wouldn’t talk about if it was a cocktail party with 30 people milling around.

From Los Angeles Times

I was at a cocktail party a few months ago in Studio City when, suddenly, one conversation rose above the din of guests’ chatter and quickly arrived at a consensus: Erewhon had gone too far.

From Los Angeles Times

It's the perennial "cocktail party problem" - standing in a room full of people, drink in hand, trying to hear what your fellow guest is saying.

From BBC

I was at a cocktail party a few months ago in Studio City when, suddenly, one conversation rose above the din of guest’s chatter, and quickly arrived at a consensus: Erewhon had gone too far.

From Los Angeles Times

Served warm or at room temperature, they are a celebrated star at any cocktail party.

From Salon