# tunic

/ˈtunɪk/ (US) · /tjˈuːnɪk/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/tunic
Updated: 2026-08-27

## Senses

### 1. clothing

noun · CEFR B2

a loose piece of clothing that covers your body from the shoulders to the hips or knees.

For teachers: a loose-fitting garment, typically sleeveless or short-sleeved, extending from the shoulders to the hips or knees.

- The nurse wore a blue tunic over her trousers while working at the hospital.
- In ancient Rome, the tunic served as the standard base garment for both men and women, varying in length and decoration based on social status.

### 2. biological covering

noun · CEFR C2 · Technical

a natural layer or skin that covers an organ in the body or a seed.

For teachers: an anatomical or botanical membrane or layer that covers or encloses an organ, seed, or other structure.

- The outer tunic of the eye helps protect the delicate parts inside.
- The botanist examined the bulb's tunic, noting how the dry outer layers protected the fleshy storage tissue from dehydration during the winter.

### 3. school uniform

noun · CEFR B2 · British English

a type of sleeveless dress worn by girls as part of a school uniform.

For teachers: a sleeveless, belted dress worn over a blouse, commonly used as a school uniform for girls.

- She had to wear a dark green tunic and a white shirt to school.
- The traditional school tunic has largely been replaced by trousers or skirts in many modern educational institutions across the United Kingdom.

## Examples

- The nurse wears a blue tunic at the hospital.
- The historical drama featured actors dressed in linen tunics and leather sandals to match the ancient setting.
- While the basic design of the tunic has remained consistent for millennia, modern fashion designers frequently reinterpret its simple silhouette using technical fabrics and asymmetrical cuts.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.