tunic

noun

tu·​nic ˈtü-nik 

ˈtyü-

1

a

: a simple slip-on garment made with or without sleeves and usually knee-length or longer, belted at the waist, and worn as an under or outer garment by men and women of ancient Greece and Rome

b

: surcoat

2

a

: a hip-length or longer blouse or jacket

b

: a short overskirt

3

: a long usually plain close-fitting jacket with high collar worn especially as part of a uniform

4

: tunicle

5

: an enclosing or covering membrane or tissue

the tunic of a seed

Examples of tunic in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Highlights include a 100 percent cotton V-neck tunic, barrel jean and mid-rise micro short in an orange peel medium wash. —Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 16 June 2025

Winking to the early 20th century in its embellishments, the lineup runs the gamut from flowy caftans and tunics with flower- and butterfly-shaped motifs to wraparound loose trousers and long skirts in solid colors. —Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 11 June 2025

The five-piece lineup also includes black-and-white summer essentials including a silk-blend pareo and a tunic cover-up for women, in addition to a polo shirt for men, with prices starting at 199 euros. —Joelle Diderich, WWD, 20 Mar. 2025

Copy Mindy Kaling’s baggy denim looks with even more finds from Amazon’s fashion department below, including tunics, clutches, and more jeans styles. —Clint Davis, People.com, 5 June 2025

Word History

Etymology

Old English tunice, from Latin tunica, of Semitic origin; akin to Hebrew kuttōneth coat

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for tunic

• eunuch
• punic
• runic

Kids Definition

tunic

noun

tu·​nic ˈt(y)ü-nik 

1

: a usually belted knee-length garment worn by ancient Greeks and Romans

2

: a shirt or jacket reaching to or just below the hips

Medical Definition

tunic

noun

tu·​nic ˈt(y)ü-nik 

: an enclosing or covering membrane or tissue : tunica

the tunics of the eye