ACL

noun

ˌā-(ˌ)sē-ˈel

plural ACLs

: a cruciate ligament of each knee that attaches the front of the tibia with the back of the femur and functions especially to prevent hyperextension of the knee and is subject to injury especially by tearing

The athlete tore their ACL during a practice game.

called also anterior cruciate ligament

Examples of ACL 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.

Green Bay has notoriously been conservative with injury timelines on significant issues like ACL tears, and the Parsons situation is not being treated any differently. — Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 16 Oct. 2026 In a game in which Kansas City needed a win to keep its playoff hopes alive, Patrick Mahomes tore his ACL and LCL, with Los Angeles eventually winning 16-13. — Kansas City Star, 15 Oct. 2026 In the absence of De’Von Achane, the running back who tore his ACL in Week 3, Ollie Gordon II has stepped up. — Miami Herald, 12 Oct. 2026 Gordon began the season as Miami's third-string running back, but has seemingly moved up the depth chart past backup Jaylen Wright in the absence of De'Von Achane, who suffered a season-ending ACL injury in Week 3. — ABC News, 11 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for ACL

Word History

First Known Use

1981, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of ACL was in 1981

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acknows

ACL

acle

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Style

“ACL.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ACL. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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ACL

noun

Examples of ACL in a Sentence

Word History

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Medical Definition

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