variants
or less commonly black tie
: characterized by or requiring the wearing of semiformal evening clothes consisting of a usually black tie and tuxedo for men and a formal dress for women
a black-tie dinner
compare white-tie
: semiformal clothing
gentlemen in black tie for the banquet
Examples of black-tie in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 17 Apr. 2025
These Are Your Hosting Strengths and Weaknesses, According to Your Zodiac Sign
Formal Events Require Punctuality
Compared to social events, formal gatherings, like ceremonies, performances, appointments, and black-tie events, operate on much stricter schedules.
—Claire Hoppe Norgaard, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 Apr. 2025
Frank Rich, Vulture, 8 Apr. 2025
On April 4, Jennifer Lopez attended the black tie premiere of Broadway's Good Night and Good Luck wearing a plunging black velvet gown Saiid Kobeisy with a removable ivory taffeta cape that was anything but low-key.
—Emily Tannenbaum, Glamour, 5 Apr. 2025
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Adjective
Forty-five players from the two teams will gather for what is being called a black-tie optional affair.
—Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 17 Apr. 2025
These Are Your Hosting Strengths and Weaknesses, According to Your Zodiac Sign
Formal Events Require Punctuality
Compared to social events, formal gatherings, like ceremonies, performances, appointments, and black-tie events, operate on much stricter schedules.
—Claire Hoppe Norgaard, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 Apr. 2025
Noun
The historic fantasy of the Great White Way as a glamorous montage of gleaming marquees, sparky backstage romances, and elegant audiences reveling in black tie was a Hollywood concoction, arguably false from the start.
—Frank Rich, Vulture, 8 Apr. 2025
On April 4, Jennifer Lopez attended the black tie premiere of Broadway's Good Night and Good Luck wearing a plunging black velvet gown Saiid Kobeisy with a removable ivory taffeta cape that was anything but low-key.
—Emily Tannenbaum, Glamour, 5 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for black-tie
Cite this Entry
“Black-tie.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/black-tie. Accessed 23 Apr. 2025.
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