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
Hannah Jackson, Vogue, 5 Feb. 2025
The event’s black-tie, Black-designer dress code perfectly aligned with the organization’s mission, while also spotlighting Black designers.
—Essence, 3 Feb. 2025
Julie Mazziotta, People.com, 7 Feb. 2025
These two pieces were paired with a white button-up and a black tie.
—Essence, 3 Feb. 2025
See all Example Sentences for black-tie 
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Adjective
What’s the best way to navigate a black-tie dress code?
—Hannah Jackson, Vogue, 5 Feb. 2025
The event’s black-tie, Black-designer dress code perfectly aligned with the organization’s mission, while also spotlighting Black designers.
—Essence, 3 Feb. 2025
Noun
Allen, meanwhile, wore a sleek black suit with a white shirt and black tie, and sweetly leaned in to pose with Steinfeld.
—Julie Mazziotta, People.com, 7 Feb. 2025
These two pieces were paired with a white button-up and a black tie.
—Essence, 3 Feb. 2025
See all Example Sentences for black-tie
Dictionary Entries Near black-tie
Cite this Entry
“Black-tie.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/black-tie. Accessed 16 Feb. 2025.
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