necktie

American  

[nek-tahy] / ˈnɛkˌtaɪ /

noun

1. a band of decorative fabric worn around the neck, under the collar, and tied in front to hang down the front of a shirt or to form a small bow.

2. any band, scarf, or tie fastened at the front of the neck.

3. Slang. a hangman's rope.

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necktie British  

/ ˈnɛkˌtaɪ /

noun

1. the US name for tie

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Other Word Forms

• necktieless adjective

Etymology

Origin of necktie

First recorded in 1830–40; neck + tie

Example Sentences

He followed up with the cat meme: a six-second clip that showed a hand adjusting a necktie on a fluffy gray cat.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 3, 2026

Models Bella Hadid and Loli Bahia have also sported them with boyish style, adopting a long-standing tradition of wearing the necktie as a subversive projection of women's equal rights.

From Barron's • Jan. 31, 2026

Lynch’s double-breasted jacket and necktie almost don’t look like formalwear.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 28, 2025

They reinstated him in 1951, but his unique look - baggy plus-fours, white silk shirts and a necktie - wasn't seen so much in the US after that.

From BBC • Jul. 16, 2024

Lurvy went to shave and put on his plaid shirt and his purple necktie.

From "Charlotte's Web" by E.B. White