black tie

¹

noun

1. a black bow tie, worn with a dinner jacket.
2. semiformal evening wear for men ( white tie ).

black-tie

²

[ blak-tahy ]

adjective

1. requiring that guests wear semiformal attire, especially that men wear black bow ties with tuxedos or dinner jackets:

   a black-tie dance.

black tie

noun

1. a black bow tie worn with a dinner jacket
2. modifier denoting an occasion when a dinner jacket should be worn

Word History and Origins

Origin of black tie¹

First recorded in 1855–60

Origin of black tie²

First recorded in 1930–35

Example Sentences

As Margaret Lyons writes, “This wasn't an awards ceremony so much as a black-tie celebration of the straight white male gaze.”

From The Daily Beast

The driver in his black suit, white shirt, and black tie shook the reins, coaxing the white horses ahead.

From The Daily Beast

His dark blue suit and black tie were as pristine as the day he was buried.

From The Daily Beast

“Daniel Craig was here in black tie one morning in early April,” a source told the Standard.

From The Daily Beast

People are constantly shown wearing white tie to black-tie occasions and vice versa.

From The Daily Beast

A fair-headed man, in a dinner jacket and black tie, became at once their spokesman.

From Project Gutenberg

Nils Petter put on his best blue suit, a starched shirt with collar and cuffs, a black tie and stiff hat.

From Project Gutenberg

She was dressed in a perfectly cut coat and skirt with a neat collar and a black tie.

From Project Gutenberg

He was in evening dress, with black tie and studs which had a chilling effect, and his manner was as cold and calm as usual.

From Project Gutenberg

Stephen pulled at the bow of his black tie and fumbled at the stud.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• tux
• tuxedo