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

Related The black-tie fête is held annually in memory of Denise’s daughter, Gabrielle Rich Aouad, who died at the age of 27 from acute myelogenous leukemia (AML). — Paul Grein, Billboard, 10 Sep. 2026

It was then screened at Lincoln Center in New York last April amid a black-tie gala, and released in North American theaters last July. — Miles Socha, Footwear News, 3 Sep. 2026

Noun

Clad in a nylon bomber, a sheer vest, a matching ankle-length skirt, a black tie and a pair of pebble grain wingtip pumps, Moore posed outside The Shed before heading in for the presentation. — Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 16 Sep. 2026

Crown Prince Haakon and Crown Princess Mette-Marit were dressed in black, with the crown prince wearing a black tie. — Stefania Conrieri, Vanity Fair, 28 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1933, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1951, in the meaning defined above