variants or less commonly white tie
: characterized by or requiring the wearing of formal evening clothes consisting of white bow tie and tailcoat for men and a formal gown for women
a white-tie dinner
compare black-tie

Examples of white-tie in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The traditional white-tie dinner and dance, held Dec. 28, remains one of the most prestigious stages for the young scions of worldwide cultural and political leaders. Kristen Tauer, WWD, 30 Dec. 2024 The Swan Ball, Nashville's grandest white-tie gala, returned for its 62nd year on Saturday, June 1, with a garden party theme at Cheekwood Estate and Gardens. Larawn Scaife Rhea, The Tennessean, 2 June 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1876, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of white-tie was in 1876

Cite this Entry

“White-tie.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/white-tie. Accessed 20 Mar. 2025.

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