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Synonyms

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.

chi 2 American  
[chee] / tʃi /

noun

Wade-Giles.

  1. qi.

Chi 3 American  
[chahy] / tʃaɪ /

noun

  1. Chicago.

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.

chi 1 British  
/ kaɪ /

noun

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

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
chi 2 British  
/ tʃiː /

noun

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

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of chi1

From Greek

Origin of Chi3

By shortening

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

"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

Former international rugby referee Nigel Owens said "Meddwl amdano chi" which translates to thinking of you.

From BBC • Aug. 12, 2025

Tai chi is another gentle, low-stress exercise that some studies suggest is especially good for hypertension.

From Seattle Times • May 20, 2024

In addition to virtual dance games, the new technique may be applicable to music videos, karaoke, and tai chi.

From Science Daily • Apr. 29, 2024

“Your chi was activated, and you’ll need to release it slowly.”

From "A Mango-Shaped Space" by Wendy Mass

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.