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

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

With contemporary dress codes ranging from black tie to festive, deciphering the intricacies of invitations can often be challenging. —Sarah Lyon, New York Times, 22 Dec. 2022

The dress' white oxford collar, cuffs, and oversized black tie were the perfect Nevermore touch. —Emily Tannenbaum, Glamour, 17 Dec. 2022

The couple shared an intimate glimpse of the two of them in a kitchen, dressed in black tie, which appears to be after an event. —Alex Apatoff, Peoplemag, 1 Dec. 2022

Preppy Ivy League with Polo Ralph Lauren, cowboy western workwear with RRL, and black tie-only events with Purple Label. —Dallas News, 30 Nov. 2022

The message was noticed by the generally younger, more junior publishing-industry members who showed up for the after-party at 10 p.m. — when technically correct black tie started to give way to avant-garde party pants and micro Telfar bags. —Erin Schwartz, Vulture, 18 Nov. 2022

This black tie event is set in the era of flappers and bootleggers. —Frederick Dreier, Outside Online, 8 Dec. 2022

Dressed in a white shirt and black tie, Syed smiled while descending the courthouse steps to the raucous cheers of supporters, family and friends. —Alex Mann, Baltimore Sun, 19 Sep. 2022

For the 2022 Vanity Fair Oscars afterparty, Zendaya underscored her flair for menswear in a black Sportmax suit with a hot pink dress shirt and shiny black tie, plus Bulgari jewelry. —Catherine Santino, Peoplemag, 12 Sep. 2022

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Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1933, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1951, in the meaning defined above