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

• 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

Martinů was something of a chameleon, despite his telltale tics. —Alex Ross, New Yorker, 8 Sep. 2025

Jones explained that Aramayo would always seek permission from those who had uttered the tic. —Baz Bamigboye, Deadline, 3 Sep. 2025

His verbal tics, over-the-top gestures, and knack for creating indelible moments are endearing to the public in a way that professional Democrats who devote their work lives to covering and fighting him could never understand. —Isaac Schorr, The Washington Examiner, 8 Aug. 2025

These tics quickly became running jokes, which made class fun: flexing their powers of discernment proved to be a form of entertainment. —Piers Gelly july 28, Literary Hub, 28 July 2025

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