variants
or less commonly black tie
: characterized by or requiring the wearing of semiformal evening clothes consisting of a usually black tie and tuxedo for men and a formal dress for women
a black-tie dinner
compare white-tie
: semiformal clothing
gentlemen in black tie for the banquet
Examples of black-tie in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Jeff McDonald, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 Mar. 2025
The black-tie event will feature a live auction of luxury goods, experiences and unique art pieces led by auctioneer Simon de Pury.
—Chris Gardner, The Hollywood Reporter, 19 Mar. 2025
Alexandra MacOn, Vogue, 17 Mar. 2025
Around the 1:18 mark, Hendrix, 54, can be seen in a white button-down shirt and black tie standing next to another woman, as both appear to be working as wait staff.
—Nicholas Rice, People.com, 15 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for black-tie
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Adjective
For years, the association has presented its annual Golden Watchdog awards gala, a black-tie affair attended by business and political leaders who gather for a night to celebrate effective government spending.
—Jeff McDonald, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 Mar. 2025
The black-tie event will feature a live auction of luxury goods, experiences and unique art pieces led by auctioneer Simon de Pury.
—Chris Gardner, The Hollywood Reporter, 19 Mar. 2025
Noun
And Justin explains that the groomsmen were supposed to all wear black suits, white shirts, and black ties.
—Alexandra MacOn, Vogue, 17 Mar. 2025
Around the 1:18 mark, Hendrix, 54, can be seen in a white button-down shirt and black tie standing next to another woman, as both appear to be working as wait staff.
—Nicholas Rice, People.com, 15 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for black-tie
Cite this Entry
“Black-tie.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/black-tie. Accessed 5 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share