necktie

[nek-tahy]

noun

1. a band of decorative fabric worn around the neck, under the collar, and tied in front to hang down the front of a shirt or to form a small bow.

2. any band, scarf, or tie fastened at the front of the neck.

3. Slang.,  a hangman's rope.

necktie

/ ˈnɛkˌtaɪ /

noun

1. the US name for tie

Other Word Forms

• necktieless adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of necktie¹

First recorded in 1830–40; neck + tie

Example Sentences

The necktie has its roots in the 17th century.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

As punishment for killing the bird, the old sailor of the poem’s title was forced to wear its gruesome remains as a necktie.

Read more on Literature

It was the details at Dior that spoke volumes — subtle pop-culture references, the number of pleats on a pair of giant cargo shorts, the messy styling of a necktie.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Sometimes, even a baseball cap or necktie alone is enough to spark accusations of partisan support.

Read more on BBC

In 2018, he was back in the news for a proposal to make neckties optional among workers in the city, citing studies that they diminish blood flow to the brain.

Read more on Los Angeles Times