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acupuncturist

American  
[ak-yoo-puhngk-cher-ist] / ˈæk jʊˌpʌŋk tʃər ɪst /

noun

  1. a person, as a physician, chiropractor, or layperson, who practices acupuncture.


Etymology

Origin of acupuncturist

First recorded in 1950–55; acupuncture + -ist

Explanation

An acupuncturist is an expert who treats health conditions by gently inserting tiny needles into a patient's skin. Sometimes people seek help from an acupuncturist in addition to medical treatment. The idea of visiting a provider with puncture in their title may understandably strike you as terrifying! But trained acupuncturists use needles that are so small that they don't hurt at all. And while science hasn't proven that this kind of treatment works to cure diseases or ease pain, many people report finding relief from various conditions after working with an acupuncturist.

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Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

In production hubs like Los Angeles, the economic pain that has followed is apparent to everyone, including Kamlager-Dove’s acupuncturist.

From The Wall Street Journal Mar. 30, 2026

She began to re-evaluate her lifestyle and after an acupuncturist suggested she shake up her diet, it dawned on Vicky she was eating next to no fibre.

From BBC Jan. 16, 2026

Right after, I see my acupuncturist, because I’ve trained, my muscles are sore and now I want to relax them.

From Los Angeles Times Feb. 21, 2025

In the video below, you’ll see the race from the point of view of competitors in last year’s 35th Legendary Banked Slalom, including Khai Bhagwandin, 36, a Seattle-based acupuncturist sponsored by Niche snowboards.

From Seattle Times Feb. 3, 2024

Roger and I don’t say much on the way to the acupuncturist, which is fine because Mrs. Carson talks enough for everyone.

From "A Mango-Shaped Space" by Wendy Mass

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