To explore the functions of ACLY in ESCC, gain‐of‐function and loss‐of‐function experiments revealed that ACLY inhibitor BMS‐303141 significantly inhibited the proliferation, migration and invasion of ESCC, whereas ACLY overexpression significantly promoted the proliferation, migration and invasion of ESCC cells. Here, ACLY is linked to esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.