neckties

IPA/ˈnek.taɪ/
KK[nˈɛktˌaɪz]IPA/ˈnek.taɪ/

neckties — noun

  • necktiessingular
  • necktiesesplural

1. A narrow piece of coloured cloth that a person wears around the collar of a form

1.nounC2
Definition

A narrow piece of coloured cloth that a person wears around the collar of a formal shirt, fastening it with a knot that sits at the front of the neck.

Example

Felix straightened his necktie before walking into the interview room.

collocation: straighten + necktie

The store sells silk neckties in many bright colours and patterns.

collocation: silk neckties

Common collocations
  • straighten a necktie
  • tie a necktie
  • loosen a necktie
  • silk necktie
  • striped necktie
  • dark blue necktie
  • formal necktie
Synonyms
  • tie

    Much more frequent in everyday use; necktie is more formal or explanatory

Grammar Patterns

countable noun

Usage Note

Also shortened to tie, which is far more common in everyday speech. Necktie is slightly more formal or descriptive.

Common Mistakes

I need to buy a new necktie for the party — a bow necktie.
I need to buy a new necktie for the party
a bow tie.' — A bow tie is a different style; the word necktie usually refers to a long straight tie rather than a bow-shaped one.

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/1

In everyday English, tie is the default word — it is shorter and suits all contexts from casual to formal. Necktie is used mainly when you need to be precise (for example, distinguishing a long tie from a bow tie or a cravat). Bow tie refers to a short, butterfly-shaped tie worn at formal events such as dinners or awards ceremonies. If you say 'I need a tie for the wedding,' most people assume a long necktie; if you say 'bow tie,' they picture the shaped kind. The three terms are not interchangeable: a necktie is always a long tie, a bow tie is a different object, and tie can cover both but leans toward the long style.

necktie ↗tie ↗bow tie

Common collocations

Nouns

Phrases

  • wear a necktie
  • tie a necktie
  • straighten a necktie
  • loosen a necktie

Etymology

English

The word necktie is a compound of neck (the body part) and tie (something that fastens or binds). It first appeared in English in the early 19th century (around 1838) to describe the decorative cloth bands men wore around their collars, which developed from the cravats of earlier centuries.

First known use

1838

1838, in the meaning defined above