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

There’s also other entertainment on tap at the black-tie shindig, which raises funds to help grant wishes for over 9,000 children facing critical illnesses throughout South Florida. — Madeleine Marr, Miami Herald, 22 Oct. 2026

The black-tie-optional event brought together more than 400 leaders and changemakers to raise funds for early childhood programs, including Fox, who naturally put her own spin on the dress code. — Karla Rodriguez, Footwear News, 21 Oct. 2026

Noun

From the runways to black tie red carpet events, celebrities, including men and women, are pairing their translucent, see-through shoes with everything from giant angel wings to gold suits. — Karla Rodriguez, Footwear News, 19 Oct. 2026

Her Italian lover opted for a pinstriped vest with a white shirt and black tie. — Michael Nied, InStyle, 24 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1933, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1951, in the meaning defined above