cupping

American  

[kuhp-ing] / ˈkʌp ɪŋ /

noun

1. the process of drawing blood from the body by scarification and the application of a cupping glass, or by the application of a cupping glass without scarification, as for relieving internal congestion or for loosening and stimulating the muscles.

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cupping British  

/ ˈkʌpɪŋ /

noun

1. archaic med the process of applying a cupping glass to the skin

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Etymology

Origin of cupping

First recorded in 1350–1400; cup ( def. ) + -ing ¹ ( def. )

Example Sentences

And that alone is worth making like Lee and cupping my own hands around my mouth for an enthusiastic yell.

From Los Angeles Times • May 23, 2025

But the seventh seed used the crowd to his advantage in the tie-break, conducting them after hitting a sublime backhand pass and cupping his ear after a deft volley brought up two match points.

From BBC • Jan. 19, 2025

In addition to his usual routine, he’s tried cryotherapy, infrared therapy, massages with cupping — anything to keep inflammation down and ward away the nagging injuries that followed him over three years at Mississippi State.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 21, 2024

Since China's so-called Peace Ark arrived last week, more than 2,000 South Africans have been treated on board - ranging from maternity check-ups and cataract surgeries to cupping therapy.

From BBC • Aug. 28, 2024

From then on, she would always remember Babi this way: reminiscing about Mammy, with his elbows on the rock, hands cupping his chin, his hair ruffled by the wind, eyes crinkled against the sun.

From "A Thousand Splendid Suns" by Khaled Hosseini