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

Michael was now in costume—orange tunic, satin dunce cap studded with ruby sequins—transformed by his garments, like a priest. —Literary Hub, 13 Feb. 2026

The costume itself consisted of a balaclava to cover their heads, a green sweatshirt, sweatpants, gloves, goggles, a velcro tunic, and the grass leaves. —Audrey Noble, Vogue, 9 Feb. 2026

At the Milan Cortina Games, Mongolian athletes will wear cashmere ceremonial deels — traditional tunics or robes — with silk trimmings to honor the past and present. —Stefanie Dazio, Chicago Tribune, 6 Feb. 2026

Offering a subtle touch of modesty, this tunic features extra coverage for your backside. —Caroline Hughes, Travel + Leisure, 4 Feb. 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