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
Martha Ross, Mercury News, 13 May 2025
Hosted by the nonprofit Gold House, the black-tie affair spotlighted figures making meaningful change, all while showcasing their heritage in dazzling, red-carpet-ready looks, many by Asian designers.
—Paul Chi, Vogue, 12 May 2025
Meredith Kile, People.com, 28 Apr. 2025
The dinner — black tie optional — is scheduled for May 22, with a reception for the top 25 wallets.
—Mackenzie Sigalos, CNBC, 23 Apr. 2025
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Adjective
His co-host for the black-tie party that night wasn’t Scott but Sanchez, and the guests included Ivanka Trump, Jared Kushner and other notable figures from Trump’s first administration, such as White House adviser Kellyanne Conway and Federal Reserve chair Jerome Powell.
—Martha Ross, Mercury News, 13 May 2025
Hosted by the nonprofit Gold House, the black-tie affair spotlighted figures making meaningful change, all while showcasing their heritage in dazzling, red-carpet-ready looks, many by Asian designers.
—Paul Chi, Vogue, 12 May 2025
Noun
However, his eldest son, Prince George, sported a navy suit, white shirt and black tie — a similar ensemble to what his father wore to mourn the late pope.
Can't get enough of PEOPLE's Royals coverage?
—Meredith Kile, People.com, 28 Apr. 2025
The dinner — black tie optional — is scheduled for May 22, with a reception for the top 25 wallets.
—Mackenzie Sigalos, CNBC, 23 Apr. 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 18 May. 2025.
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