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

In expat and retirement communities, senior-friendly yoga and tai chi classes are commonly available. —Kathleen Peddicord, Forbes.com, 29 June 2025

Walking, running, weightlifting, lunges, push-ups, and tai chi are good options for maintaining strength and balance. —Jennifer Steinhoff, Verywell Health, 12 June 2025

Kung Fu Show: A diverse team of professional performers from the Wah Lum Kung Fu Temple will present a lion dance, kung fu and tai chi performance demonstrations. —Joe Rassel, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 May 2025

Competitors will go for a $300 grand prize in kung fu and tai chi. —San Diego Union-Tribune, 28 May 2025

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