cupping

noun

cup·​ping ˈkə-piŋ How to pronounce cupping (audio)
: 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 most common cause of upward cupping of leaves is a reaction to drought, and this is true both of redbud trees and cucurbits. oregonlive, 16 July 2023 The next phase of my treatment involved cupping, which is intended to promote blood flow and the movement of lymphatic fluid. Jesa Marie Calaor, Allure, 9 Dec. 2022 Wellness is a main focus, and the resort welcomes many visiting practitioners throughout the year who are masters in cupping and acupuncture to reflexology and sound healing. Livia Hengel, Forbes, 23 Mar. 2023 At a cupping arranged at the institute’s training kitchen at the back of the buzzing Ash Cafe, Mr. Almarwai guides participants to sniff unmarked cups of coffee from seven countries, and then shows them how to slurp and swish the brew to hit their taste buds evenly. Taylor Luck, The Christian Science Monitor, 10 Aug. 2022 What is facial cupping? Jacqueline Kilikita, refinery29.com, 12 Apr. 2021 According to Cleveland Clinic, cupping is a form of healing therapy some people use to ease pain. Dallas News, 10 May 2022 Acupuncture, cupping, and Traditional Chinese Medicine brand WTHN is known for its in-studio treatments and at-home holistic remedies. Sarah Madaus, SELF, 28 Nov. 2022 The brand touches virtually every area of the business: sourcing, cupping, roasting, importing and distributing coffee, then supplying equipment, providing tech services, and working with an in-house marketing, design, and sales team. John McCarthy, Forbes, 19 Dec. 2022 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'cupping.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of cupping was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near cupping

Cite this Entry

“Cupping.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cupping. Accessed 3 Dec. 2023.

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

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