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
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
These meta-references might have registered as little more than self-conscious tics, but Robinson’s aggressively eccentric performance gives them a prickly, ultimately disturbing sense of purpose.
—
Justin Chang, New Yorker, 16 May 2025
In fact, some of Guy's vocal tics inspired some of Pee-wee's most iconic catchphrases.
—Esther Kang, People.com, 24 Jan. 2025
Chris used to have a grim, distinctive tic of executing his enemies in the head; now, the climactic battle is just a spray of bullets.
—Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 24 Apr. 2025
Her specific tics are not a universal symptom of the disorder.
—Zoey Lyttle, People.com, 24 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for tic
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Justin Chang, New Yorker, 16 May 2025
In fact, some of Guy's vocal tics inspired some of Pee-wee's most iconic catchphrases.
—Esther Kang, People.com, 24 Jan. 2025
Chris used to have a grim, distinctive tic of executing his enemies in the head; now, the climactic battle is just a spray of bullets.
—Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 24 Apr. 2025
Her specific tics are not a universal symptom of the disorder.
—Zoey Lyttle, People.com, 24 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for tic
Cite this Entry
“Tic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tic. Accessed 28 May. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
tic
noun1
: a regularly repeated twitching movement of a particular muscle and especially one of the face
2
: a particular form of behavior or speech that is often repeated
"you know" is a verbal tic
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