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

He had started his shift early that day following rumours of the monarch's declining health, presenting rolling news coverage from 14:00, before confirming the Queen's death that evening while wearing a black tie.

From BBC

The multiday, multivenue ceremony, where formal wear meant “cowboy black tie,” included a live band, extravagant floral arrangements, plenty of cowboy hats and the family’s longhorn.

From Los Angeles Times

Guests drank champagne, margaritas, palomas and vodka martinis and posed for multiple selfies and photos at the black tie charity event.

From Seattle Times

He opened his briefcase and pulled out a black tie, which he swapped with the stylish patterned one he was wearing.

From Literature

The Vanity Fair dress code might be called “loosened black tie.”

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• tux
• tuxedo