tai chi

noun

ˈtī-ˈchē  ˈtī-ˈjē 

variants or less commonly t'ai chi or tai chi chuan or t'ai chi ch'uan

ˈtī-ˈchē-chü-ˈän,

ˈtī-ˈjē- 

often capitalized T&C

: an ancient Chinese discipline of meditative movements practiced as a system of exercises

Examples of tai chi in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

But for seasoned practitioners, tai chi’s flow can be done anytime, anywhere. —Jahan Marcu, Rolling Stone, 1 Nov. 2024

Alternatively, arrive at 5 a.m. and witness a tranquil side to Hanoi as older residents practice tai chi at dawn or guffaw during a laughter yoga session. —Chris Humphrey, New York Times, 17 Oct. 2024

The Mayo Clinic also recommends other balance exercises, including weight shifts, bicep curls, and tai chi. —Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 24 Oct. 2024

Workouts that improve balance include single-leg stands, chair yoga, and tai chi. —Matt Fuchs, TIME, 24 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Chinese (Beijing) tàijíquán, from tàijí the Absolute in Chinese cosmology + quán fist, boxing

First Known Use

1954, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

tai chi

noun

ˈtī-ˈjē 

-ˈchē

often capitalized T&C

: an ancient Chinese system of movements performed for meditation or exercise

Medical Definition

tai chi

noun

variants also t'ai chi

ˈtī-ˈjē, -ˈchē 

or tai chi chuan or t'ai chi ch'uan

-chü-ˈän

often capitalized T&C

: an ancient Chinese discipline involving a continuous series of controlled usually slow movements designed to improve physical and mental well-being