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

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

He turned away after silencing the taunts, cupping his ear to The Kop, who were stunned into silence after his sixth Premier League goal versus Liverpool.

From BBC • Mar. 15, 2026

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

Kaede reached for her, cupping Taisin’s face in her hands, pulling her closer as her thumbs pressed into Taisin’s cheeks.

From "Huntress" by Malinda Lo