cupping

noun

cup·​ping ˈkə-piŋ 

: an operation of drawing blood to the surface of the body by use of a glass vessel evacuated by heat

Examples of cupping in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The footbed is wider than your average sandal, with serious arch support and heel cupping built in. — Jill Layton, PEOPLE, 2 July 2026

Deirdre explained that a five-minute cupping session was the equivalent of 20 minutes of deep-tissue massage. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 July 2026

The Reese Slingback Sandals are designed with the brand’s proprietary Vio-motion technology, which includes arch support, heel cupping for stability, and shock-absorbing cushioning. — Anna Popp, Travel + Leisure, 23 June 2026

Additional offerings include acupuncture, cupping, energy healing, somatic energy release therapy and Reiki, according to The Ranch. — Lauren Schuster, Charlotte Observer, 13 May 2026

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for cupping

• supping
• upping

Medical Definition

cupping

noun

cup·​ping

1

: a technique formerly employed for drawing blood to the surface of the body by application of a glass vessel from which air had been evacuated by heat to form a partial vacuum

2

: a concave depression in a body organ

also : the formation of such a depression