tai chi

noun

ˈtī-ˈchē  ˈtī-ˈjē 

variants or less commonly t'ai chi or tai chi chuan or t'ai chi ch'uan

ˈtī-ˈchē-chü-ˈän,

ˈtī-ˈjē- 

often capitalized T&C

: an ancient Chinese discipline of meditative movements practiced as a system of exercises

Examples of tai chi in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The Mayo Clinic also recommends other balance exercises, including weight shifts, bicep curls, and tai chi. —Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 24 Oct. 2024

Workouts that improve balance include single-leg stands, chair yoga, and tai chi. —Matt Fuchs, TIME, 24 Oct. 2024

Balance and stability activities, including single-leg stands and tai chi, improve coordination and may help prevent falls. —Sarah Jividen, Verywell Health, 3 Oct. 2024

The trail connects multiple parks and green spaces, including Klyde Warren Park in the City Center District, which hosts regular outdoor fitness boot camps, yoga, Zumba, and tai chi. —Outside Online, 29 July 2024

Word History

Etymology

Chinese (Beijing) tàijíquán, from tàijí the Absolute in Chinese cosmology + quán fist, boxing

First Known Use

1954, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

tai chi

noun

ˈtī-ˈjē 

-ˈchē

often capitalized T&C

: an ancient Chinese system of movements performed for meditation or exercise

Medical Definition

tai chi

noun

variants also t'ai chi

ˈtī-ˈjē, -ˈchē 

or tai chi chuan or t'ai chi ch'uan

-chü-ˈän

often capitalized T&C

: an ancient Chinese discipline involving a continuous series of controlled usually slow movements designed to improve physical and mental well-being