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• chi
  chi

  noun

  the twenty-second letter of the Greek alphabet (X, χ).
• Chi
  Chi

  noun

  Chicago.
• Ch'i
  Ch'i

  noun

  one of two dynasties that ruled in China a.d. 479–502 and, as the Northern Ch'i, a.d. 550–77.

chi

¹ American  

[kahy] / kaɪ /

noun

plural

chis

1. the twenty-second letter of the Greek alphabet (X, χ).

2. the consonant sound represented by this letter.

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chi ² American  

[chee] / tʃi /

noun

Wade-Giles.

1. qi.

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Chi ³ American  

[chahy] / tʃaɪ /

noun

1. Chicago.

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Ch'i ⁴ American  

[chyee] / tʃyi /

(Pinyin) Qi

noun

1. one of two dynasties that ruled in China a.d. 479–502 and, as the Northern Ch'i, a.d. 550–77.

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chi ¹ British  

/ kaɪ /

noun

1. the 22nd letter of the Greek alphabet (Χ, χ), a consonant, transliterated as ch or rarely kh

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chi ² British  

/ tʃiː /

noun

1. (sometimes capital) (in Oriental medicine, martial arts, etc) vital energy believed to circulate round the body in currents

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Etymology

Origin of chi¹

From Greek

Origin of Chi³

By shortening

Example Sentences

And now, in addition to dance, I’m signing up for a tai chi class.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 14, 2026

"I've tried antidepressants, antipsychotics, mood stabilizers, benzos, sleeping pills and stimulants, cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy... tai chi, reiki, meditation, veganism, art therapy and music therapy," the former stand-up comedian said.

From Barron's • Feb. 25, 2026

Exercises which strengthen the muscles include yoga, lifting weights, tai chi, sit-ups, energetic gardening and carrying heavy shopping bags.

From BBC • Jan. 20, 2026

Yu calls the concept “sponge city” and says it’s like “doing tai chi with water,” a reference to the Chinese martial art in which an opponent’s energy and moves are redirected, not resisted.

From Seattle Times • Mar. 31, 2024

The next morning when I arrived at school to do my tai chi, Holly van Arden asked if she could join me.

From "Schooled" by Gordon Korman