bow tie

noun \ ˈbō- \

Updated on: 25 May 2018

Definition of bow tie

1 : a short necktie tied in a bowknot

2 : something (such as pasta) resembling a bow tie in shape

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Recent Examples of bow tie from the Web

On this visit bow ties, necklaces and mixed media works of dancers caught the eye.

— anne dunlap, OrlandoSentinel.com, "Walk paints a picture of downtown Orlando art galleries," 8 May 2018
Romney, 71, went up against 11 other candidates at the convention, including one dressed as Abraham Lincoln, complete with vest and bow tie.

— julian hattem, The Seattle Times, "Romney must compete in primary for Senate seat," 21 Apr. 2018
Armie Hammer, his co-star, bow tie undone, came in to give Ms. McDormand a big hug.

— john koblin, New York Times, "Inside the 2018 Vanity Fair Oscar Party," 5 Mar. 2018
Once again, Reynolds looked dapper as ever in sleek tux and blue bow tie to match the plumes on his wife’s gown.

— brittany talarico, PEOPLE.com, "Blake Lively Trades Ryan Reynolds for Christian Louboutin as 2018 Met Gala Date: See Her Dress!," 7 May 2018
Marty Pearl/Special to Courier Journal After the festive hats, the bow ties and the pink and mint green seersucker pants.

— paul cappiello, The Courier-Journal, "This foolproof Kentucky Derby 'winning' plan starts in the garden," 4 May 2018
Winstead plays Bowden over five decades of her life, beginning with her arrival in San Antonio near the turn of the century, wearing a red bow tied to her coat so the bishop could recognize her.

— elaine ayala, San Antonio Express-News, "St. Philip’s will mark the Tricentennial with a celebration on the East Side," 2 May 2018
Mike Pence, like every other man at the State Dinner, wore a bow tie.

— amanda arnold, The Cut, "Melania Trump Showed Up to the First State Dinner in Custom Chanel," 24 Apr. 2018
Christopher chose a vintage white and silver Nudie suit covered in rhinestones and a matching Western bow tie.

— alexandra macon, Vogue, "A Wedding Under a Pink Sky and a Glowing Super Moon at Joshua Tree," 16 Apr. 2018

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

First Known Use of bow tie

1890

in the meaning defined at sense 1

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BOW TIE Defined for English Language Learners

bow tie

noun

Definition of bow tie for English Language Learners

: a narrow length of cloth that is worn by men around the neck and tied into a bow at the throat

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Spanish Central: Translation of bow tie

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