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

Vogue’s Guide to the Best Beach Cover-ups: Beachgoers, of course, know there’s more to cover-ups than just tunics and pareos. —Talia Abbas, Vogue, 7 July 2025

French and Italian Renaissance artists were commonly inspired by statues in the Roman capital depicting Marcus Aurelius on horseback, and their works would show a Roman noble figure draped in a tunic and cloak, according to the release. —Irene Wright, Miami Herald, 1 July 2025

For that premiere, Pitt wore a navy blue suit with contrasting black lapels, and matching navy blue slacks, while Ramon went for an airy look that consisted of a sheer baby blue tunic worn with matching sheer pants. —Starr Bowenbank, People.com, 23 June 2025

Without the slip, the tunic works as a swimsuit cover-up. —Bianca Kratky, Glamour, 9 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