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

The resort has a daily rotating list of activities guests can participate in, from relaxing classes like barefoot tai chi to adrenaline-pumping water skiing to educational cooking or astronomy classes — at Lake Austin Spa Resort, the world is your oyster. —Taylor McIntyre, Travel + Leisure, 2 July 2024

In addition to fitness classes, there’s belly dancing and tai chi. —Allison Aubrey, NPR, 24 June 2024

The trail connects multiple parks and green spaces, including Klyde Warren Park in the City Center District, which hosts regular outdoor fitness boot camps, yoga, Zumba, and tai chi. —Outside Online, 29 Mar. 2024

Practice relaxation techniques, such as meditation, yoga, or tai chi. —Yuliya Klochan, Health, 19 June 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