► party an occasion when people meet together to enjoy themselves by eating, drinking, dancing, etc.: Were you invited to the party? I’m going to a party tonight.
► get-together a small informal party: We’re having a big family get-together in the park on Sunday.
► baby/wedding/bridal shower an event at which people give presents to a woman who is going to have a baby or get married: Cindy’s friends are throwing a baby shower for her today.
► reception a large formal party, especially one after a wedding or for an important person: The reception will immediately follow the wedding ceremony.
► celebration a party or special event that is organized for a special occasion: The fireworks are part of the town’s 4th of July celebration.
► reunion a party for people who have not met for a long time, often with food, dancing, and other activities. Schools and families usually have reunions: She’s going to her 20th high school reunion in Dallas this weekend.
► gathering an occasion when a group of people meet together to have fun, especially a group of friends or family: I see my cousins several times a year at family gatherings.
► function a large formal or official party, usually for important people: The band has played at many corporate functions (=official parties held by a company).