soiree

American  

[swah-rey] / swɑˈreɪ /

Or soirée

noun

1. an evening party or social gathering, especially one held for a particular purpose.

   a musical soiree.

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soiree British  

/ ˈswɑːreɪ /

noun

1. an evening party or other gathering given usually at a private house, esp where guests are invited to listen to, play, or dance to music

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Etymology

Origin of soiree

First recorded in 1790–1800; from French “evening, evening party,” equivalent to Old French soir “evening” (from Latin sērō “late” (adverb), originally ablative of sērus ) + -ée, from Latin -āta, feminine of -ātus; -ate ¹; journey

Example Sentences

To bid adieu to a Muppet-themed section of Disney’s Hollywood Studios parks in Florida, some Kermit and Gonzo superfans organized a prom-inspired soiree at one of the area’s restaurants.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 23, 2026

The music, the women, the open bar, the outfits—Armani meets Miami Vice—gave the soiree a Wolf of Wall Street vibe.

From Slate • Jan. 13, 2026

Could Hecla possibly still be a buy for investors who are coming late to the silver soiree?

From Barron's • Jan. 9, 2026

After a performance by a traditional nanta-buk drum troupe at the diplomat’s soiree, more than a dozen speakers paraded to the microphone to tell about Choi’s open-mindedness and modesty.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 11, 2024

In the large and pleasant salon which extended across the width of the house, the Ratignolles entertained their friends once a fortnight with a soiree musicale,sometimes diversified by card-playing.

From "The Awakening" by Kate Chopin

Related Words

• banquet
• barbecue
• bash
• feast
• festivity
• gala
• luncheon
• reception
• shindig