Bowtie

Part of speech: noun

Pronunciation: /boʊˈtaɪ/

Definitions

1. A style of neck accessory that is shaped like a bow and fastened at the collar area
2. An ornamental piece of clothing that consists of fabric tied in a bow form, usually for formal occasions
3. A piece of neckwear formed by tying a fabric strip into a symmetrical bow, typically worn with formal attire

Etymology: A bow tie is about as literal as English compounds get: a "bow" (a loop of ribbon or cloth knotted at the centre) joined to a "tie" (a band of fabric worn around the neck). The result names the shape of the knot rather than the garment's purpose, which is why the same ribbon-loop idea has been used for hair ribbons, shoelaces and gift wrap long before anyone tied one under a collar. The word "bow" in this sense goes back to Old English "boga," the same root as the verb to bend, since a bow is a curved shape. "Tie" comes from Old English "tēag," a rope or cord. Neither part was new when they were joined, so the compound records a plain description: a looped knot of cloth used as neckwear, rather than a coined or borrowed term.

Synonyms: tie, cravat, neckwear, accessory, bow

Antonyms: untied, loose, disheveled, unfastened, casual