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

In the super-short boxy tweed tunics that had apparently replaced his favorite shorts. —Vanessa Friedman, New York Times, 26 Feb. 2025

The Duchess of Sussex styled her sleeveless midi dress, which features asymmetrical tunic top with a pleated skirt, with layered gold bracelets including Cartier’s Love bracelet, a Cartier gold tank watch, and a pair of pointed-toe pumps. —Marissa Muller, WWD, 8 Feb. 2025

The Sisters of Mary Morning Star also wear a gray scapular that drapes over the tunic, thoroughly erasing any physical features but heightening the drama of their faces. —Lawrence Wright, The New Yorker, 10 Feb. 2025

The collection was primarily made in black, with sleek styles like his signature tunics and layered pieces making up the bulk of the lineup. —Layla Ilchi, WWD, 7 Feb. 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