Definition

1. Noun:
   • A black bow tie worn as part of formal evening wear for men: A specific type of neckwear, typically made of silk or satin, that is part of traditional "black tie" attire.
   • The semiformal evening dress code for men that requires such a tie: The event dress standard itself, which typically includes a dinner jacket (tuxedo), the black bow tie, a formal shirt, and matching trousers.

Usage Examples

• Noun (The neckwear):
  • He forgot to pack his black tie for the wedding.
  • The invitation said "black tie optional," so he wore a suit but not a bow tie.
• Noun (The dress code):
  • The gala is a black tie event, so a tuxedo is required.
  • "Is it black tie?" he asked, checking the invitation's dress code.

Advanced Usage

• "Black-tie" as an adjective: Used to describe an event, dinner, or affair that requires this formal dress code.
  • They attended a black-tie charity ball at the museum.
  • The awards ceremony is a black-tie affair.

Variants and Related Words

• White tie: A more formal dress code than black tie, requiring a tailcoat and a white bow tie.
• Black-tie optional or Creative black tie: Dress codes suggesting formal wear is preferred but not strictly mandatory, or allowing for stylish variations on the traditional tuxedo.
• Bow tie: The general category of neckwear; a black tie is a specific type of bow tie.
• Tuxedo / Dinner jacket: The jacket component of black tie attire.

Synonyms

• (For the dress code): Formal wear, evening dress, dinner dress, semiformal.
• (For the neckwear): Bow tie, dress bow.

Notes on Meaning

The term "black tie" has two closely related meanings. Primarily, it refers to the dress code for a formal evening event. By extension, it also refers to the specific black bow tie that is an essential component of that attire. The context usually makes it clear which meaning is intended.

Noun

1. a black bow tie worn with a dinner jacket
2. semiformal evening dress for men