white tie

¹

noun

1. formal evening dress for men ( black tie ).
2. a white bow tie for men, worn with formal evening dress.

white-tie

²

[ hwahyt-tahy, wahyt- ]

adjective

1. requiring that guests wear formal attire, especially that men wear white bow ties with formal evening dress:

   a white-tie embassy reception.

white tie

noun

1. a white bow tie worn as part of a man's formal evening dress
2. 1. formal evening dress for men
   2. ( as modifier )

      a white-tie occasion

Word History and Origins

Origin of white tie¹

First recorded in 1950–55

Example Sentences

It was taken ahead of the annual "white tie and tiaras" reception for diplomats held at the palace.

From BBC

Speaking about the ball in 2001, Sir Elton said: "Yes, he came in white tie, and he came straight from a private jet. Yes, I don't think he'd wear white tie otherwise."

From BBC

Asked to confirm that Mr. Spacey had arrived by private jet, Mr. John said he supposed that was the case because he did not think anyone wore white tie on a commercial flight.

From New York Times

At Eton College — the boarding school in the British countryside that has educated princes and 20 prime ministers — students wear tailcoats and white ties to classes.

From New York Times

While earlier music directors at the Met, all men, favored white tie and tails, Nézet-Séguin, who has held the post since 2018, has long had a more eclectic style, both in his clothes and appearance.

From New York Times