black-tie

1 of 2

adjective

ˈblak-ˌtī 

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

On the following evening (July 21), the celebration continued as the Brooklyn Museum hosted the annual Pop Smoke Fashion Gala, an elegant black-tie fundraiser celebrating the late artist’s influence on fashion, music, and culture. — Christine Imarenezor, VIBE.com, 4 Aug. 2026

In November, 1973, Cohn invited his new protégé to a black-tie dinner at the Biltmore Hotel to celebrate his twenty-fifth anniversary as a practicing attorney. — Kai Bird, New Yorker, 3 Aug. 2026

Noun

Meanwhile, the Vampire Diaries alum sported a navy blue suit with a black tie. — Ashlyn Robinette, PEOPLE, 27 July 2026

Woods shimmered in a gold fringe Oscar de la Renta gown, while Towns kept it timeless in a black suit with satin labels and a classic black tie. — Amanda Le, InStyle, 16 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1933, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1951, in the meaning defined above