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

Such exercises include dance, yoga, Pilates, mindful walking, aikido, and tai chi. —Lana Barhum, Verywell Health, 9 Dec. 2024

Movements in tai chi are slow and deliberate to force your focus on each movement and breath to promote relaxation. —Lana Barhum, Verywell Health, 9 Dec. 2024

However, finding the right space or time to practice tai chi can be tricky while traveling. —Jahan Marcu, Rolling Stone, 1 Nov. 2024

Yoga or tai chi are also recommended for older adults with Alzheimer’s. —Melissa Rudy, Fox News, 8 Nov. 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