Falun Gong

American  

[fah-loon koong, gong] / ˈfɑ lun ˈkʊŋ, ˈgɒŋ /

noun

1. a Chinese system of meditation, martial-arts exercises, and spiritual teachings.

2. a Chinese sect that practices this system.

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Falun Gong British  

/ ˌfæluːn ˈɡuːŋ /

noun

1. a modern religious movement combining aspects of Buddhism and Taoism, especially the practice of qi gong, founded by Li Hongzhi in 1992

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Etymology

Origin of Falun Gong

First recorded in 1995–2000; from Chinese, equivalent to fǎ “law” + lún “wheel,” referring to the “(Buddhist) Wheel of Dharma” + gōng “work, technique, skill”; see origin at dharma ( def. )

Example Sentences

The California-based computer networking giant rejects the accusations that it "aided and abetted" human rights abuses against members of the Falun Gong, which has been banned in China since 1999.

From Barron's • Apr. 28, 2026

The crackdown on Christians fits a broader pattern that in recent years has included the persecution of Tibetan Buddhists, Uyghur Muslims, and members of smaller groups such as Falun Gong.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 20, 2025

The site also prominently touts a book by Falun Gong founder Li Hongzhi.

From Seattle Times • Jun. 5, 2024

It was started by Chinese-Americans affiliated with a religious group called Falun Gong.

From BBC • Jun. 3, 2024

Falun Gong members were promoting their own social media website that promised a “nonaddictive algorithm.”

From Slate • Oct. 10, 2023