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
Emma Banks, InStyle, 6 Apr. 2026
According to Meacham and Page, Reagan finally, and only after all other major candidates had dropped out of the race, intended to give a rousing speech supporting Bush at a black-tie gala on May 11th.
—Literary Hub, 3 Apr. 2026
Naaman Zhou, New Yorker, 6 Apr. 2026
In recent years, the couple have turned the Grammy Awards into their annual date night, bringing their best black tie attire to the 2023 ceremony.
—Brendan Le, PEOPLE, 4 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for black-tie
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Adjective
Kate Middleton wore the piece for the first time to a black-tie reception at the National Portrait Gallery back in 2014.
—Emma Banks, InStyle, 6 Apr. 2026
According to Meacham and Page, Reagan finally, and only after all other major candidates had dropped out of the race, intended to give a rousing speech supporting Bush at a black-tie gala on May 11th.
—Literary Hub, 3 Apr. 2026
Noun
Barnes stood with dancerly poise in a crisp white shirt, a black tie, and cushy black sneakers.
—Naaman Zhou, New Yorker, 6 Apr. 2026
In recent years, the couple have turned the Grammy Awards into their annual date night, bringing their best black tie attire to the 2023 ceremony.
—Brendan Le, PEOPLE, 4 Apr. 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 16 Apr. 2026.
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