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
Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 17 Apr. 2025
These Are Your Hosting Strengths and Weaknesses, According to Your Zodiac Sign
Formal Events Require Punctuality
Compared to social events, formal gatherings, like ceremonies, performances, appointments, and black-tie events, operate on much stricter schedules.
—Claire Hoppe Norgaard, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 Apr. 2025
Hannah Sacks, People.com, 7 Apr. 2025
What to expect: This annual black tie event highlights Black excellence with an evening of live painting, live music, and dancing.
—Alexis Clinton, Axios, 10 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for black-tie
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Adjective
Forty-five players from the two teams will gather for what is being called a black-tie optional affair.
—Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 17 Apr. 2025
These Are Your Hosting Strengths and Weaknesses, According to Your Zodiac Sign
Formal Events Require Punctuality
Compared to social events, formal gatherings, like ceremonies, performances, appointments, and black-tie events, operate on much stricter schedules.
—Claire Hoppe Norgaard, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 Apr. 2025
Noun
In early March, the Paris in Love star shared photos of her family of four dressed in black tie attire for the 2025 Oscars.
—Hannah Sacks, People.com, 7 Apr. 2025
What to expect: This annual black tie event highlights Black excellence with an evening of live painting, live music, and dancing.
—Alexis Clinton, Axios, 10 Feb. 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 26 Apr. 2025.
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