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

In the summer, my mom loves to dress up her jeans with long, tunic tops and sleek sandals for a versatile, day-to-night outfit. — Clara McMahon, PEOPLE, 23 May 2026

This butter-yellow tunic feels cheerful, airy, and incredibly chic for summer. — Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 24 June 2026

Free People gingham tunics that bring cottagecore back, at under $100? — Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 26 May 2026

Similar to how double-coated animals like wolves and bobcats shed water with their fur, the fringe, when attached to shoes, pants, and tunics, could help keep wearers dry during rainy treks. — Faran Krentcil, InStyle, 1 July 2026

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

Rhymes for tunic

• eunuch
• punic
• runic

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