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

For the finale, as Loki finally learns how to control time and ascends to the throne, his tunic was made from suede with gold flecks. —Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 11 Aug. 2024

The beautifully displayed perfumes and cosmetics make the store look like a jewel box, and the textiles — long flowy dresses, kaftans, kimonos, and tunics — are stunning as well. —Lindsay Cohn, Travel + Leisure, 10 Aug. 2024

The pale blooms popped against the brand’s dark indigo baggy jeans and tunic dresses. —Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 14 Aug. 2024

Take this breezy cover-up from Anthropologie, which easily does double-duty as a regular dress when paired with a slip underneath or even as a tunic top with a tank and jeans. —Neha Tandon, Peoplemag, 20 July 2024

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

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

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