acupuncture

noun

acu·​punc·​ture ˈa-kyə-ˌpəŋ(k)-chər 

ˈa-kə-

: an originally Chinese practice of inserting fine needles through the skin at specific points especially to cure disease or relieve pain (as in surgery)

acupuncture transitive verb

acupuncturist

ˈa-kyə-ˌpəŋ(k)-chə-rist 

ˈa-kə-

noun

Did you know?

In Latin, acus means "needle", and the English word acupuncture was coined way back in the 17th century to describe a technique the Chinese had already been using for 2,000 years. An acupuncturist may insert many extremely fine needles at a time; the treatment is usually uncomfortable but not truly painful. In China today, even major surgery is often carried out using only acupuncture to kill the pain; it's also used for many other conditions, including insomnia, depression, smoking, and overweight. Acupuncture is based on ancient theories of bodily energy that few Western doctors have ever accepted; but even though attempts to explain its effects by Western science have been unsuccessful, it's now widely recognized by doctors as effective for pain reduction.

Examples of acupuncture in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Typically, doctors recommend trying a few other tricks first—eating products with ginger, taking a combo of the over-the-counter drugs doxylamine (Unisom) and vitamin B6, and even acupuncture. —Julia Ries Wexler, SELF, 9 Feb. 2026

Maybe you’re feeling burnt out and need a serious reset with the help of some ancient healing traditions (acupuncture) and of-the-moment biohacks (infrared therapy). —Jen Murphy, Outside, 1 Feb. 2026

By applying pressure to certain areas of the body—which, as with acupuncture, correspond to specific conditions—these mats may be able to ease stress, relieve chronic pain, and even improve sleep, though the evidence is still limited (though growing). —Deanna Pai, Vogue, 29 Jan. 2026

Chiropractic, acupuncture and additional interventional services will be referred to external providers. —Wcco Staff, CBS News, 28 Jan. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Latin acū- (stem—or ablative—of acus "needle") + puncture entry 1 — more at acute

First Known Use

1684, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for acupuncture

• venipuncture
• conjuncture
• disjuncture
• juncture
• puncture

Kids Definition

acupuncture

noun

acu·​punc·​ture ˈak-yə-ˌpəŋ(k)-chər 

: an originally Chinese practice of inserting fine needles through the skin at specified points especially to cure disease or relieve pain

Etymology

Latin acus "needle" and English puncture

Medical Definition

acupuncture

noun

acu·​punc·​ture -ˌpəŋ(k)-chər 

: an originally Chinese practice of inserting fine needles through the skin at specific points especially to cure disease, relieve pain, or promote healing