tourniquet

noun

tour·​ni·​quet ˈtu̇r-ni-kət  ˈtər- 

: a device (such as a band of rubber) that checks bleeding or blood flow by compressing blood vessels

Examples of tourniquet in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The victim’s arm was in such bad shape when the LAPD arrived that the officers applied a tourniquet. —Deborah Vankin, Los Angeles Times, 9 May 2026

Do not use a tourniquet, attempt to suck out venom, or cut the bite site. —Fernando Cervantes Jr, USA Today, 4 May 2026

In the event of a bite, officials emphasized the importance of staying calm, limiting movement and calling 911 immediately, while warning against using a tourniquet or attempting to remove venom. —Staff Author, PEOPLE, 2 May 2026

Powell tore out one of her own shoes laces to use as a tourniquet to start an IV. —ABC News, 27 Apr. 2026

Word History

Etymology

French, turnstile, tourniquet, from tourner to turn, from Old French — more at turn

First Known Use

1695, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

tourniquet

noun

tour·​ni·​quet ˈtu̇r-ni-kət  ˈtər- 

: a device (as a band of rubber) used to stop or slow bleeding or blood flow by compressing blood vessels

Medical Definition

tourniquet

noun

tour·​ni·​quet ˈtu̇r-ni-kət  ˈtər- 

: a device (as a bandage twisted tight with a stick) to check bleeding or blood flow