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

To learn more about the tropical plants that dot the area, visit the Miami Beach Botanical Garden, a three-acre oasis in the heart of South Beach, and occasional events, like tropical fruit tastings, tai chi, and yoga — best of all, admission is free. —Jacqueline Dole, Travel + Leisure, 9 Jan. 2025

For example, the two senior centers that Aster Aging operates offer activities that are free or cheap, such as tai chi classes. —Alexandra Hardle, The Arizona Republic, 22 Dec. 2024

Such exercises include dance, yoga, Pilates, mindful walking, aikido, and tai chi. —Lana Barhum, Verywell Health, 9 Dec. 2024

Movements in tai chi are slow and deliberate to force your focus on each movement and breath to promote relaxation. —Lana Barhum, Verywell Health, 9 Dec. 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