ACL

noun

ˌā-(ˌ)sē-ˈel 

plural ACLs

: a cruciate ligament of each knee that attaches the front of the tibia with the back of the femur and functions especially to prevent hyperextension of the knee and is subject to injury especially by tearing

The athlete tore their ACL during a practice game.

called also anterior cruciate ligament

Examples of ACL in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Tucker Kraft was looking like a breakout tight end before his ACL tear in November. — Steven Louis Goldstein, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026

Brooks, who tore his ACL in back-to-back seasons, has yet to have meaningful production for the Panthers. — Charlotte Observer, 11 Sep. 2026

Bell update Receivers coach Tyke Tolbert said this week that the Dolphins initially expected Chris Bell would return around the mid-October bye week after a long recovery from last November’s torn ACL at Louisville. — Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 11 Sep. 2026

Newkirk, who suffered an ACL injury in December, has not played this season. — Todd Holcomb, AJC.com, 10 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1981, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

ACL

noun

ˌā-(ˌ)sē-ˈel 

: anterior cruciate ligament