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

The football players initially arrived to the wedding at Madison Square Garden on July 3 in suits following the couple’s black-tie dress code. — Ashlyn Robinette, PEOPLE, 13 July 2026

Gracie Abrams, 26, added a pop of color to Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce's black-tie wedding. — Chanel Vargas, InStyle, 5 July 2026

Noun

Harry, who was honored with the Pat Tillman Award for Service, complemented his wife in a black suit with a black tie. — Caroline Blair, PEOPLE, 20 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