tic

noun

ˈtik 

1

: local and habitual spasmodic motion of particular muscles especially of the face : twitching

2

: a frequent usually unconscious quirk of behavior or speech

"you know" is a verbal tic

Synonyms of tic

• trick
• trait
• characteristic
• mannerism
• quirk
• idiosyncrasy
• eccentricity
• habit
• peculiarity
• singularity

Examples of tic in a Sentence

The verbal tic “you know” often occurs in her speech.

constantly playing with her hair is one of her more annoying tics

Recent Examples on the Web

Physical tics can be as subtle as eye blinking, or involve jerking the arms, or stretching the neck. —Cara Lynn Shultz, PEOPLE, 5 June 2026

Services are available that humanize AI tics. —Walt Hunter, The Atlantic, 4 June 2026

Nadal, with a wink, recites the various physical tics involved in his serving routine. —Ava Wallace, New York Times, 29 May 2026

Here, the British actor appears to take on Hansen’s vocal patterns and tics with an eerie, off-kilter precision, as those familiar with the infamous true-crime host can attest. —David Canfield, HollywoodReporter, 27 May 2026

Word History

Etymology

French

First Known Use

circa 1834, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing tic

• tic douloureux
• tic-tac-toe

Rhymes for tic

• bick
• brick
• chick
• click
• fick
• flick
• hick
• kick
• knick
• lick
• mic
• nick

Kids Definition

tic

noun

ˈtik 

1

: a regularly repeated twitching movement of a particular muscle and especially one of the face

2

: a particular form of behavior or speech that is often repeated

"you know" is a verbal tic

Medical Definition

tic

noun

ˈtik 

1

: local and habitual spasmodic motion of particular muscles especially of the face : twitching

2

: a habitual usually unconscious quirk of behavior or speech