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
Kirsten Chuba, HollywoodReporter, 6 Mar. 2026
The black-tie event — with a cocktail hour, prime rib and salmon dinner, live entertainment and a silent auction — is the nonprofit’s main way of generating proceeds to fund the scholarships.
—Kevin Fixler, Idaho Statesman, 5 Mar. 2026
Judith Martin, Sun Sentinel, 26 Feb. 2026
Tickets priced at $300 per person, black tie.
—Miami Herald Archives, Miami Herald, 20 Feb. 2026
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Adjective
Alta Global Media Oscars Viewing Party The Aster A black-tie watch party celebrating the alumni of the HollyShorts Film Festival.
—Kirsten Chuba, HollywoodReporter, 6 Mar. 2026
The black-tie event — with a cocktail hour, prime rib and salmon dinner, live entertainment and a silent auction — is the nonprofit’s main way of generating proceeds to fund the scholarships.
—Kevin Fixler, Idaho Statesman, 5 Mar. 2026
Noun
Your partner is right about what passes for black tie these days.
—Judith Martin, Sun Sentinel, 26 Feb. 2026
Tickets priced at $300 per person, black tie.
—Miami Herald Archives, Miami Herald, 20 Feb. 2026
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 15 Mar. 2026.
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