tourniquet

noun

tour·ni·quet ˈtu̇r-ni-kət ˈtər-

: a device (such as a band of rubber) that checks bleeding or blood flow by compressing blood vessels

Examples of tourniquet in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Deputies treated the man at the scene, applying a tourniquet to his wound, before he was taken to a hospital where he was said to be in stable condition. — Darrell Smith, Sacbee.com, 3 Sep. 2026 Contrary to popular belief, applying ice or using a tourniquet can worsen the effects of a venomous snakebite by slowing blood flow. — Brandi D. Addison, USA Today, 2 Sep. 2026 Bruney was bleeding heavily, so fellow triathlete Matthew Davis, a wilderness first responder, used the cord on his swim buoy as a tourniquet, the outlet reported. — Adam England, PEOPLE, 25 Aug. 2026 Do not cut or suck the wound, apply a tourniquet, use a cold or hot pack, or try to treat the bite at home. — Rachel Silva, Martha Stewart, 19 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for tourniquet

Word History

Etymology

French, turnstile, tourniquet, from tourner to turn, from Old French — more at turn

First Known Use

1695, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of tourniquet was in 1695

See more words from the same year

Browse Nearby Words

tourneyer

tourniquet

tournure

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Tourniquet.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tourniquet. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

Copy Citation

Kids Definition

tourniquet

noun

tour·ni·quet ˈtu̇r-ni-kət ˈtər-

: a device (as a band of rubber) used to stop or slow bleeding or blood flow by compressing blood vessels

Medical Definition

tourniquet

noun

tour·ni·quet ˈtu̇r-ni-kət ˈtər-

: a device (as a bandage twisted tight with a stick) to check bleeding or blood flow

tourniquet

noun

Examples of tourniquet in a Sentence

Word History

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Kids Definition

Medical Definition

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

apiary

Popular in Grammar & Usage

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

A List of Most Commonly Confused Words

Why do we use apostrophes to show possession?

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?

Popular in Wordplay

The Longest Long Words List

Stay Woke

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Words of the Week - Sept. 4

Popular

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

The Longest Long Words List

Stay Woke

Games & Quizzes