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 Tai Chi

: 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

In such cases, the best medicine can offer is often a patchwork of modestly effective medications and nonpharmacological interventions such as cognitive behavioral therapy, exercise, and tai chi. —Jason Liebowitz, The Atlantic, 12 May 2026

Though the lack of visuals Anderson employs during her live shows prevents the experience from being complete (as well as the excision of the finale where Anderson leads the audience through a tai chi routine), this album still has much to recommend. —David Harris, SPIN, 11 May 2026

Guests start the morning with sunrise qi gong sessions, a practice similar to tai chi, often held outdoors among local wildlife like wallabies. —Hanna Wickes, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 7 May 2026

Older adults should add balance activities, such as tai chi or yoga, to help prevent falls by challenging the body’s balance systems. —Laura Baehr, The Conversation, 7 May 2026

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