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

And Maddie Ziegler chose a resort look in a lace-up jersey tunic and tailored pants. —Ryma Chikhoune, Footwear News, 13 May 2025

Kidman wore black pants with a long black tunic on top and Urban wore a simple black suit with nothing underneath. —Janelle Ash, FOXNews.com, 8 May 2025

As guests pull up in front of the French Colonial building, they are greeted by staff members wearing chic silk tunics. —Lilit Marcus, CNN Money, 30 Apr. 2025

This weekend, Jenner delivered another stealthy ensemble—this time an oversized white linen tunic paired with billowy trousers and ballet flats (a classic French shoe). —Christian Allaire, Vogue, 28 Apr. 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