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See Also:
  • present participle of cup.

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.


cupping British  
/ ˈkʌpɪŋ /

noun

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

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of cupping

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

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.

I do think about recovery and take recovery quite seriously, so I’ll do a weekly massage, where I do cupping.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 13, 2026

Kayleigh's tried cocktails of different medications, putting her feet in hot water, a flannel at the back of the head, acupuncture, cupping - but they've had little effect.

From BBC • May 31, 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

Elliott, 26, celebrated by channelling former WWE superstars Ric Flair and Hulk Hogan, strutting in the centre of the octagon before cupping each of his ears.

From BBC • Nov. 17, 2024

“I’ve tried,” Marco says, cupping her face in his hands.

From "The Night Circus" by Erin Morgenstern

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