Russian bow tie

Meanings

1. 1nouncountable

   A type of bow tie that is unusually wide and soft, often associated with Russian folk dress or formal wear.

   Grammar: Countable; use 'a Russian bow tie' or 'Russian bow ties'.

   Patterns

   • wear a Russian bow tie
   • a Russian bow tie in silk

   He wore a Russian bow tie to the costume party, and everyone asked where he got it.

   The dancer's Russian bow tie was bright red and very wide.

2. 2nouncountable

   A knot used in some traditional Russian crafts, resembling a bow tie, often made of fabric or ribbon.

   Grammar: Countable; often used in plural when referring to multiple knots.

   Patterns

   • tie a Russian bow tie
   • decorate with Russian bow ties

   She learned to make a Russian bow tie for the traditional headscarf.

   The embroidered Russian bow ties added a folk touch to the blouse.

Word forms

Common combinations

wear a Russian bow tie

He decided to wear a Russian bow tie with his tuxedo.

a wide Russian bow tie

The costume included a wide Russian bow tie made of velvet.

traditional Russian bow tie

Folk dancers often wear a traditional Russian bow tie.

silk Russian bow tie

She bought a silk Russian bow tie for the wedding.

Synonyms and how they differ

bow tie

The general term for any bow-shaped necktie; 'Russian bow tie' is more specific and less common.

necktie

A broader term for any tie worn around the neck; a Russian bow tie is one particular style.

Word family

bow tie noun

A necktie tied in a bow shape.

Russian adjective

Relating to Russia, its people, or its culture.

Commonly confused: Russian bow tie or bowtie?

Practice

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