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
Donors will be able to hobnob with incoming Cabinet members and attend a black-tie dinner with Vice President-elect JD Vance, according to a schedule reviewed by CBS News. Jennifer Jacobs, CBS News, 10 Jan. 2025 Brooklyn and Nicola wed on April 9, 2022 during an elegant black-tie affair hosted at her family’s estate in Palm Beach, Florida. Michelle Lee, People.com, 10 Jan. 2025
Noun
Harding paired the shirt with a black tie and added a brown belt to the skirt. Julia Teti, WWD, 13 Jan. 2025 Guy said the actor put his own spin on a black tie, which isn't something people always manage to achieve. Kevin Lynn, Newsweek, 6 Jan. 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

Dictionary Entries Near black-tie

Cite this Entry

“Black-tie.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/black-tie. Accessed 20 Jan. 2025.

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