dinner jacket
Definition
Noun: A semiformal evening jacket for men, typically black or white, worn with a bow tie and matching trousers as part of traditional formal evening wear, especially for events like dinners or dances.
Usage
The term "dinner jacket" refers specifically to the jacket itself, which is a core component of semiformal evening attire for men. It is synonymous with the term "tuxedo" in American English.
Examples
- He looked very elegant in his black dinner jacket and bow tie.
- The invitation specified "black tie," so he needed to wear a dinner jacket.
- For the gala, he rented a classic white dinner jacket.
Advanced Usage
- "To be in dinner jacket": To be dressed in semiformal evening wear.
- All the gentlemen were in dinner jacket for the charity ball.
Variants and Related Words
- Tuxedo (n): The common American English term for a dinner jacket and its accompanying trousers as a suit.
- He wore a tuxedo to the wedding.
- Black tie (n): The dress code requiring a dinner jacket.
- The event is a black-tie affair.
Synonyms
- Tuxedo (chiefly US)
- Black tie (when referring to the attire)
- Evening jacket
Related Phrases
- Black-tie event/affair: A formal social event where dinner jackets are required.
- The awards ceremony is a black-tie event.
Noun
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semiformal evening dress for men
