black-tie

adjective

Updated on: 20 Apr 2018

Definition of 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

See black-tie defined for English-language learners

First Known Use of black-tie

1933

in the meaning defined above

See Words from the same year

NEW! Time Traveler

black tie

noun

Definition of black tie

: semiformal clothing

gentlemen in black tie for the banquet

Recent Examples of black tie from the Web

The black tie optional event is a benefit for Chagrin Falls Studio Orchestra.

— joan rusek, cleveland.com, "Make your valentine plans inside and out: Valley Views," 23 Jan. 2018
Tear-drop-shaped diamond earrings, a necklace and another pair of earrings that resembled planets of pears enveloped in diamond ribbons were claimed by guests who discovered pearls inside the amuse bouche at the black tie gala dinner.

— ana finel honigman, Harper's BAZAAR, "When in Gstaad: Diary of a Weekend Wonderland," 16 Dec. 2013
The piece was an elegant yet fashion-forward choice for the French First Lady who has been experimenting with her black tie wardrobe of late.

— edward barsamian, Vogue, "Brigitte Macron Chooses Custom Louis Vuitton for the Luxembourg State Dinner," 20 Mar. 2018
No matter how far in advance the holiday invitations roll in, there always seems to be one or two days that are packed from morning to night with brunch bashes, black tie dinners and late-nights-out cocktail-ing.

— patricia reynoso, Harper's BAZAAR, "A Marathon of Holiday Party Looks," 10 Nov. 2016
Macron’s version of black tie was an ankle-skimming sheath featuring cut-out shoulders that lent a modern feel to the Old World lace finish.

— maria ward, Vogue, "Brigitte Macron Wears Lace to Dine With the Indian Prime Minister," 12 Mar. 2018
Gurira coordinated perfectly with her onscreen partner Daniel Kaluuya, whose bronze velvet Brunello Cucinelli blazer was a chic alternative to traditional black tie.

— janelle okwodu, Vogue, "How the Black Panther Cast Shut Down the Oscars Red Carpet," 5 Mar. 2018
The nature of black tie makes the Oscars red carpet a bunny hill for men: Wear a tux, keep it dark, let the women shine.

— jacob gallagher, WSJ, "Men Had It Easy on the Oscars Red Carpet. What If They Didn’t?," 5 Mar. 2018
From outdoor adventures to a dining safari or a black tie concert, there are a number of activities to choose from.

— joan rusek, cleveland.com, "Make your valentine plans inside and out: Valley Views," 23 Jan. 2018

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.

First Known Use of black tie

1951

in the meaning defined above

See Words from the same year

NEW! Time Traveler

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Definition of black-tie

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