tunic

noun

tu·​nic ˈtü-nik 

ˈtyü-

1

a

: a simple slip-on garment made with or without sleeves and usually knee-length or longer, belted at the waist, and worn as an under or outer garment by men and women of ancient Greece and Rome

b

: surcoat

2

a

: a hip-length or longer blouse or jacket

b

: a short overskirt

3

: a long usually plain close-fitting jacket with high collar worn especially as part of a uniform

4

: tunicle

5

: an enclosing or covering membrane or tissue

the tunic of a seed

Examples of tunic in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

She’s often depicted wearing a tunic and veil and is credited with explaining the origin of the name of the month of May. —Ryan Brennan, Kansas City Star, 20 Jan. 2025

Keep scrolling for more sparkly tunics and cardigans inspired by Martha Stewart. —Genevieve Cepeda, People.com, 10 Dec. 2024

Deacons wear a dalmatic, or a long tunic with sleeves, as well as a shorter, asymmetric stole that went to the hip. —Rhonda Richford, WWD, 7 Dec. 2024

Tailored to compliment dresses, tunics, and more, this belt effortlessly combines style and comfort. —Hyphensocial Contributors, Rolling Stone, 2 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Old English tunice, from Latin tunica, of Semitic origin; akin to Hebrew kuttōneth coat

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

tunic

noun

tu·​nic ˈt(y)ü-nik 

1

: a usually belted knee-length garment worn by ancient Greeks and Romans

2

: a shirt or jacket reaching to or just below the hips

Medical Definition

tunic

noun

tu·​nic ˈt(y)ü-nik 

: an enclosing or covering membrane or tissue : tunica

the tunics of the eye