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

Wear it solo or with tights, or style it as a tunic over leggings or trousers for added warmth. —Clara McMahon, People.com, 28 Dec. 2024

The theme comes together through sporty stripes, reimagined shirting, peplum silhouettes, capri pants and denim tunics in fluid and soft fabrications. —Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 28 Oct. 2024

Saturday 🤘 Don your best tunics — Uptown Garage Brewing in Ankeny is hosting a viking market. —Jason Clayworth, Axios, 25 Oct. 2024

The top was a sleeveless, button-down tunic with a sheer, wide hem embellished with sparkly beads, worn over a pair of ankle-length, wide-leg trousers in the same black silk fabric. —Kathleen Walsh, Glamour, 24 Oct. 2024

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

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