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
Michael Stefanov, Robb Report, 23 Sep. 2025
The black-tie gala, which began three years ago, has become a popular event in the city, like the Detroit Auto Show’s annual charity preview.
—Leah Olajide, Freep.com, 21 Sep. 2025
Kati Chitrakorn, CNN Money, 29 Sep. 2025
Twiggy appeared at Burberry's spring 2026 show during London Fashion Week in a simple black suit, white collared shirt and black tie, adding black loafers and a pair of black sunglasses.
—Catherine Santino, PEOPLE, 24 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for black-tie
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Adjective
Befittingly, Nuit Rouge is a collection of sophistication and allure—colognes for black-tie evenings, date nights, and holiday soirées alike.
—Michael Stefanov, Robb Report, 23 Sep. 2025
The black-tie gala, which began three years ago, has become a popular event in the city, like the Detroit Auto Show’s annual charity preview.
—Leah Olajide, Freep.com, 21 Sep. 2025
Noun
All dressed accordingly in black tie, and following the show were invited to explore the museum, where more than 120 of Armani’s designs are currently being exhibited for the first time, alongside works by Renaissance artists Caravaggio, Giovanni Bellini and Raphael.
—Kati Chitrakorn, CNN Money, 29 Sep. 2025
Twiggy appeared at Burberry's spring 2026 show during London Fashion Week in a simple black suit, white collared shirt and black tie, adding black loafers and a pair of black sunglasses.
—Catherine Santino, PEOPLE, 24 Sep. 2025
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 5 Oct. 2025.
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