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

Simple ways to manage stress include finding time to relax and practicing meditation or tai chi. —Karen Pallarito, Health, 12 May 2024

All of these methods have given me relief in my long journey with Stage 4 cancer, along with qigong, tai chi, turkey tail mushroom extract and meditation. —Kwame Anthony Appiah, New York Times, 22 Mar. 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