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
Adjective
The Summit culminated with a breathtaking black-tie gala held in a cathedral surrounded by the property’s towering trees and greenery where Diana Ross belted out hits spanning her 54 year career. Emily Strohm, Peoplemag, 14 June 2024 Most elegant white dresses Strapless gowns and formal events go together perfectly, whether you’re headed to a cocktail reception or a black-tie dinner. Jake Henry Smith, Glamour, 10 June 2024
Noun
In addition to the dresses mentioned above, there are even more semi-formal, cocktail, and black tie dresses to shop below, so keep scrolling while prices start at just $89. Carly Totten, Southern Living, 21 June 2024 The couple appeared in coordinating black tie ensembles, Strong, 45, once again embracing his favorite clothing color, brown. Catherine Santino, Peoplemag, 17 June 2024 See all Example Sentences for black-tie 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'black-tie.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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 30 Jun. 2024.

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