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

The Wellness Sanctuary is also the place to join a variety of classes from tai chi to forest bathing or Thai potpourri making. —Emese MacZko, Forbes, 13 Mar. 2025

Looking serious, Malaika moves through tai chi forms, Nico jogs by, smiles, stops, jogs back, beaming. —Lisa Kennedy, New York Times, 20 Feb. 2025

A week-long fitness retreat offers a balance of activity and relaxation, with more than 320 classes on offer each week, including Pilates, yoga, Feldenkrais, tai chi, circuit and strength training, and guided hikes on more than 40 miles of trails. —Devorah Lev-Tov, AFAR Media, 31 Jan. 2025

Hybrid options, like yoga-Pilates fusion or tai chi with elements of resistance training, are emerging to meet the demand for workouts that address both physical and emotional health. —Sandra Rose Salathe, Flow Space, 21 Jan. 2025

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