cupping

1 of 2

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

cupping

2 of 2

present participle of cup entry 2

Examples of cupping in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Traditional mops and buckets often leave standing water behind, which can seep between floorboards, causing swelling, cupping, or warping. — Martha Stewart, 8 Aug. 2026

These days, cryotherapy and cupping are high on his list of favorites, while cold plunges have notably fallen behind. — Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 13 July 2026

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

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

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