Dictionary.com
Thesaurus.com
Jump to:
  • chi
    chi
    noun
    the twenty-second letter of the Greek alphabet (X, χ).
  • Chi
    Chi
    noun
  • 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.
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.

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

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

From BBC • Aug. 12, 2025

Wee soccer players squeal past a cluster of seniors practicing tai chi.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 21, 2025

Jim thought he might attend a tai chi retreat.

From "A Deadly Wandering: A Mystery, a Landmark Investigation, and the Astonishing Science of Attention in the Digital Age" by Matt Richtel