What does tux mean?
A tux is an informal North American term for a tuxedo, the formal men's jacket commonly worn at weddings, black-tie events, galas, and formal dinners. It is usually a black jacket with satin or peak lapels, paired with a white shirt, bow tie, formal trousers, and dress shoes. Although “tuxedo” is the more formal and complete term, “tux” is widely used in everyday conversation and in the language of weddings and event planning. The word can refer either to the jacket alone or, loosely, to the entire outfit. “Tuxedo” ultimately derives from Tuxedo Park in New York, where the garment became associated with fashionable evening wear. The shortened form “tux” reflects the same broader trend toward concise, familiar vocabulary in American English.
nounAn informal, shortened form of “tuxedo,” referring to a formal men's jacket, usually worn with matching trousers at weddings, galas, and other evening events.
- An informal term for a tuxedo or dinner jacket.
"He wore a tux to the wedding, completing the outfit with a white shirt and black bow tie."
"He rented a tux for the formal dinner."
"The invitation called for black tie, so she helped her brother select a tux."
The standard plural is “tuxes.”
"The shop displayed several tuxes for the wedding party."
The word “tux” comes from “tuxedo,” a garment name associated with Tuxedo Park in New York.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does tux come from?
“Tux” is a clipping of “tuxedo,” developed in North American English as a familiar shortened form of the longer word. “Tuxedo” is associated with Tuxedo Park, New York, whose name became linked with the formal jacket and with men's evening fashions. The abbreviated form became established in ordinary American usage and is now especially common in discussions of weddings and formal events.
How tux is actually used
The word is informal and chiefly North American in usage. In formal announcements or formal writing, “tuxedo” or “dinner jacket” may be preferred. “Tux” usually refers to the jacket as part of a complete formal outfit, even though it may also be used specifically for the jacket itself.
Easily confused with tux
A tuxedo is the formal name for the garment, while a tux is its informal shortened form.