What does ascot mean?
An ascot is a broad necktie or scarf, usually made of silk or satin, that is draped around the neck, crossed over, and secured with a decorative pin rather than tied in a knot like a conventional necktie. It is worn chiefly with formal daytime attire such as morning dress, making it a fixture of high-society weddings and events. The garment takes its name from Ascot, the Berkshire town in England whose famous racecourse hosts Royal Ascot, where elegant dress has long been part of the occasion. Today the ascot carries a distinctly refined, even aristocratic connotation: it suggests vintage glamour, dandyism, or traditional British formality, and it is rarely seen in ordinary business wear. The capitalized form simply denotes the place itself. For anyone interested in menswear history or formal dress codes, the ascot is a small but evocative piece of vocabulary.
A wide necktie or scarf of silk or satin, folded over and fastened with a pin rather than knotted, traditionally worn with formal daytime dress.
"She straightened her father's ascot before they left for the ceremony."
Often considered old-fashioned or highly formal today.
The name of a town in Berkshire, England, famed for its racecourse and the annual Royal Ascot meeting.
"They travelled to Ascot for Gold Cup day."
Standard plural; used when referring to multiple ties or, less commonly, to things from the town.
"The shop displayed silk ascots in a range of jewel tones."
Named after England's Ascot Racecourse — where Royal Ascot attendees made this wide silk tie a symbol of aristocratic style.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of ascot
The word ascot derives from Ascot (also historically Ascott Heath), a village in Berkshire, England, best known for its royal racecourse established under Queen Anne in the early 18th century. The necktie became associated with the fashionable attire worn at Ascot races during the 19th century, and English borrowed the place-name directly to label the style. It functions as an eponymous toponymic term — one of many English words, like 'wellington' or 'cardigan', named after British places or figures.
How ascot is actually used
The ascot carries a distinctly formal, old-fashioned connotation in modern dress — associated with morning dress, weddings, and upper-class British fashion. In American usage it is rare and often seen as vintage or dandyish. Capitalized 'Ascot' refers to the place or the race meeting held there.
Easily confused with ascot
A mascot is a person, animal, or object believed to bring luck or representing a group, whereas an ascot is a type of wide necktie.
A cravat is a general term for a cloth worn around the neck, while an ascot specifically refers to a broad, loosely knotted necktie pinned in place.