white tie

¹

noun

1. formal evening dress for men (black tie ).

2. a white bow tie for men, worn with formal evening dress.

white-tie

²

[hwahyt-tahy, wahyt-]

adjective

1. requiring that guests wear formal attire, especially that men wear white bow ties with formal evening dress.

   a white-tie embassy reception.

white tie

noun

1. a white bow tie worn as part of a man's formal evening dress

2. 1. formal evening dress for men

   2. ( as modifier )

      a white-tie occasion

Word History and Origins

Origin of white tie¹

First recorded in 1950–55

Example Sentences

He then proceeded to tell guests at the white tie event that the United States was “a very sick country” last year before becoming “the hottest” again under his rule.

From Los Angeles Times

Times, and the volume of papers was so gigantic, and it would come with these white ties to hold it all together.

From Los Angeles Times

He stands at 6ft2in, has a stocky build and grey hair and was last seen wearing a long black trench coat, grey trousers and waistcoat, blue shirt, brown shoes and a red and white tie.

From BBC

It was taken ahead of the annual "white tie and tiaras" reception for diplomats held at the palace.

From BBC

Speaking about the ball in 2001, Sir Elton said: "Yes, he came in white tie, and he came straight from a private jet. Yes, I don't think he'd wear white tie otherwise."

From BBC