black-tie

1 of 2

adjective

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

black tie

2 of 2

noun

: semiformal clothing
gentlemen in black tie for the banquet

Examples of black-tie in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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
Think black-tie to beach and every niche theme or destination in between. Madeline Fass, Vogue, 27 Feb. 2025 Selection committee chair Howard Rodman announced the winners on February 22 at a black-tie ceremony at USC’s Town and Gown ballroom, replacing the usual Doheny Library. Anne Thompson, IndieWire, 23 Feb. 2025
Noun
At the event on Thursday, Feb. 6, Steinfeld wore an elegant black velvet gown, diamond choker necklace and her new engagement ring, while Allen sported a sleek black suit, white button-down and black tie. Anna Lazarus Caplan, People.com, 20 Feb. 2025 Variety caught up with the Happy Gilmore star and a reporter for the outlet couldn't help but note that Adam was dressed up in black tie. Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 17 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for black-tie

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1933, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1951, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of black-tie was in 1933

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Cite this Entry

“Black-tie.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/black-tie. Accessed 5 Mar. 2025.

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