acupuncture

noun

acu·​punc·​ture ˈa-kyə-ˌpəŋ(k)-chər 

ˈa-kə-

: an originally Chinese practice of inserting fine needles through the skin at specific points especially to cure disease or relieve pain (as in surgery)

acupuncture transitive verb

acupuncturist

ˈa-kyə-ˌpəŋ(k)-chə-rist 

ˈa-kə-

noun

Did you know?

In Latin, acus means "needle", and the English word acupuncture was coined way back in the 17th century to describe a technique the Chinese had already been using for 2,000 years. An acupuncturist may insert many extremely fine needles at a time; the treatment is usually uncomfortable but not truly painful. In China today, even major surgery is often carried out using only acupuncture to kill the pain; it's also used for many other conditions, including insomnia, depression, smoking, and overweight. Acupuncture is based on ancient theories of bodily energy that few Western doctors have ever accepted; but even though attempts to explain its effects by Western science have been unsuccessful, it's now widely recognized by doctors as effective for pain reduction.

Examples of acupuncture in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

In a 2024 review, researchers found that acupuncture reduced symptoms like congestion and nose itch.4 Probiotics are microorganisms—usually bacteria—that help balance the gut microbiome, the ecosystem of microorganisms that live in your intestines. —Mark Gurarie, Verywell Health, 8 July 2025

Based on results, a medical team builds a treatment plan that can include acupuncture, IV therapy, Ayurvedic oil work, breath training, cryotherapy, and Thai herbal protocols. 2025 introduced a new hormonal reset program, especially popular among women navigating perimenopause and fatigue. —Nel-Olivia Waga, Forbes.com, 2 July 2025

Twice-a-month acupuncture for her and her father also helped. —The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 20 May 2025

But outside of nasal flushes, acupuncture, and anti-inflammatory diets, there were few options and almost no recent innovation. —Tanya Benedicto Klich, Forbes.com, 27 June 2025

Word History

Etymology

Latin acū- (stem—or ablative—of acus "needle") + puncture entry 1 — more at acute

First Known Use

1684, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for acupuncture

• venipuncture
• conjuncture
• disjuncture
• juncture
• puncture

Kids Definition

acupuncture

noun

acu·​punc·​ture ˈak-yə-ˌpəŋ(k)-chər 

: an originally Chinese practice of inserting fine needles through the skin at specified points especially to cure disease or relieve pain

Etymology

Latin acus "needle" and English puncture

Medical Definition

acupuncture

noun

acu·​punc·​ture -ˌpəŋ(k)-chər 

: an originally Chinese practice of inserting fine needles through the skin at specific points especially to cure disease, relieve pain, or promote healing