Synonyms of chinext
: the 22nd letter of the Greek alphabet see Alphabet Table
variants or ch'i or less commonly qi, often Chi
: vital energy that is held to animate the body internally and is of central importance in some Eastern systems of medical treatment (such as acupuncture) and of exercise or self-defense (such as tai chi)

qi

3 of 3

noun (3)

variant spelling of chi entry 2

: vital energy that is held to animate the body internally and is of central importance in some Eastern systems of medical treatment (such as acupuncture) and of exercise or self-defense (such as tai chi)

Examples of chi in a Sentence

Noun (2) the concept of chi is of central importance in acupuncture
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
Tai chi is a form of exercise that involves slow, gentle movements and balancing poses. Carrie Madormo, Health, 19 Oct. 2025 In tandem came the flagging energy, muddy cognition, clogged chi. Rowan Jacobsen, Harpers Magazine, 24 Oct. 2025
Noun
Those with strong qi, who can learn to channel it, make for fierce, skilled warriors. Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, 5 Sep. 2020 It is believed that a women’s qi, or life force, is depleted while giving birth. Clarissa Wei, Bon Appétit, 16 Sep. 2024 See All Example Sentences for chi

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

Greek chei, chi

Noun (2)

Chinese (Beijing) , literally, air, breath

First Known Use

Noun (1)

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Noun (2)

1850, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of chi was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Chi.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/chi. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

Kids Definition

chi

noun
ˈkī
: the 22nd letter of the Greek alphabet
Χ or χ
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