tic

noun

\ ˈtik

Definition of tic

1 : local and habitual spasmodic motion of particular muscles especially of the face : twitching

2 : a frequent usually unconscious quirk of behavior or speech "you know" is a verbal tic

Synonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about tic

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Examples of tic in a Sentence

The verbal tic “you know” often occurs in her speech. constantly playing with her hair is one of her more annoying tics

Recent Examples on the Web

The pressure was so intense leading up to the flight that Collins developed tics in both eyes. — al.com, "Apollo 11 at 50: Celebrating first steps on another world," 20 July 2019 The pressure was so intense leading up to the flight that Collins developed tics in both eyes. — Washington Post, "Apollo 11 at 50: Celebrating first steps on another world," 13 July 2019 Shonkwiler’s Nedjelko is a litany of tics, twitches and other peculiarities. — Joanne Engelhardt, The Mercury News, "Theater review: Lots of reasons to experience ‘Archduke’," 13 June 2019 While Shostakovich played, the nervous tics that habitually plagued his features disappeared. — The New York Review of Books, "Anastasia Edel," 8 Apr. 2019 The great Italian Renaissance artist and scientist Leonardo da Vinci may have suffered from an unusual visual tic: an intermittent outward turn of the eye, clinically known as strabismus. — Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, "Da Vinci’s possible vision disorder may have influenced his art," 18 Oct. 2018 Hardy’s Brock is composed of weird facial tics, squeaky vocal inflections, and hunched body language. — Bryan Bishop, The Verge, "Venom is a bizarre and baffling mess," 3 Oct. 2018 Place squares on painted plaque to create tic-tac-toe board. — Sarah Newell, Seventeen, "11 Ridiculously Awesome DIY Gifts for Your BFFs," 12 Sep. 2018 Cousins will likely parade to the free-throw line next season, as defenses give fouls to prevent dunks set up by the Warriors’ tic-tac-toe passing. — Ben Golliver, SI.com, "The DeMarcus Cousins Experience Isn’t for Everyone, but Warriors Are More Than Ready," 2 July 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'tic.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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More Definitions for tic

tic

noun

English Language Learners Definition of tic

: a small repeated movement of a muscle especially in the face that cannot be controlled

: a word or phrase that someone frequently says or an action that someone frequently does without intending to

See the full definition for tic in the English Language Learners Dictionary

tic

noun

\ ˈtik

Medical Definition of tic

1 : local and habitual spasmodic motion of particular muscles especially of the face : twitching

2 : a habitual usually unconscious quirk of behavior or speech

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tic

Definition of tic

Synonyms for tic

Examples of tic in a Sentence

First Known Use of tic

History and Etymology for tic

English Language Learners Definition of tic

Medical Definition of tic

tic

Definition of tic

Synonyms for tic

Examples of tic in a Sentence

First Known Use of tic

History and Etymology for tic

English Language Learners Definition of tic

Medical Definition of tic

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