black-tie

adjective

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\ ˈblak-ˌtī

variants: or less commonly black tie

Definition of black-tie

(Entry 1 of 2)

: 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

noun

Definition of black tie (Entry 2 of 2)

: semiformal clothing gentlemen in black tie for the banquet

Examples of black-tie in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun Affleck donned a navy corduroy suit by Ralph Lauren Purple Label, with a white shirt and thin black tie. — Quinci Legardye, Harper's BAZAAR, 10 Oct. 2021 Group B threw a black tie gala to celebrate their Masked Singer debut Wednesday. — Dana Rose Falcone, PEOPLE.com, 29 Sep. 2021 Daring cut-outs, solid brights, and high-low hemlines are just a few details that make a summer wedding guest dress black tie-worthy. — Talia Abbas, Glamour, 18 Aug. 2021 The original image is of Harris standing next to Emhoff at a 2015 black tie event in Los Angeles. — Sudiksha Kochi, USA TODAY, 8 Sep. 2021 One man with a white shirt and black tie, whose face was not shown in the frame, was seen slamming files of evidence down on the table. — Nick Romano, EW.com, 2 Sep. 2021 She was seen wearing a grass-green, cap-sleeve dress with pale pumps and Prince William was dressed in a blue-on-blue ensemble with a black tie. — Elise Brisco, USA TODAY, 7 Aug. 2021 And with good reason, as evidenced by their take on black tie last night. — Janelle Okwodu, Vogue, 27 July 2021 She was seen wearing a green sheath dress with white pumps and Prince William was dressed in a blue on blue ensemble with a black tie. — Elise Brisco, USA TODAY, 10 July 2021

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'black-tie.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.