Cup Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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cup

[kʌp ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

drinking

A cup is a small open container used for drinking liquids. It is typically cylindrical in shape and may have a handle for easy holding.

Synonyms

beaker, goblet, mug.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
cup	A general term often used for drinking utensils, usually smaller in size, and commonly associated with tea or coffee. Can be made of various materials like ceramic, glass, or plastic. She poured herself a cup of tea He drank a cup of water
mug	A sturdy container for holding hot beverages like coffee, tea, or hot chocolate. Usually larger than a cup and has a handle. Often made of ceramic or metal. He likes to drink his morning coffee from a large mug The mug was filled with steaming hot chocolate
beaker	Typically used in scientific contexts for measuring and mixing liquids. Made of glass or plastic, and has a straight, cylindrical shape with a pouring lip. The scientist carefully poured the chemicals into the beaker She mixed the solution in a beaker
goblet	Often used for drinking wine or other beverages in a formal or celebratory setting. Usually made from glass, metal, or sometimes expensive materials like gold or silver. They toasted with goblets filled with red wine The king's goblet was encrusted with jewels

Examples of usage

I poured myself a cup of coffee in the morning.
She offered me a cup of tea to warm up.
We need to buy some new cups for the office kitchen.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

measurement

In cooking and baking, a cup is a unit of volume measurement equal to 8 fluid ounces or 240 milliliters.

Synonyms

measure, portion, unit.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
cup	Used to refer to a specific volume in cooking and baking recipes, often abbreviated as 'c'. Add one cup of sugar to the mixture. The recipe calls for 2 cups of flour.
measure	Refers to the act of determining the size, amount, or degree of something, often using standard units. Carefully measure two tablespoons of olive oil. Measure the length of the table before buying a cloth.
unit	Used to refer to a fixed quantity or standard amount in various contexts, including scientific and mathematical measurements. One unit of insulin may be needed for this dose. The building has twenty apartment units.
portion	Used to refer to a specific amount of food meant for one person, often in the context of dieting or serving sizes. The restaurant serves large portions. She had a small portion of cake.

Examples of usage

The recipe calls for 1 cup of sugar.
She added 2 cups of flour to the mixture.

^{Context #3 | Noun}

trophy

A cup is also a trophy or prize awarded in sports competitions, often in the form of a large, decorative cup.

Synonyms

award, prize, trophy.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
cup	A 'cup' is often used for sporting events and competitions, where winners receive a physical cup-shaped trophy. It can be used both for the actual object and the name of the competition itself. The team won the World Cup He proudly displayed the cup on his shelf
trophy	A 'trophy' is a specific kind of award, typically a statue or cup, given especially in sports or competitions. It usually carries a sense of prestige and honor. The team lifted the championship trophy She has a shelf full of tennis trophies
prize	A 'prize' is often used to describe something received after winning a contest, competition, or lottery. It can range from a physical object to experiences like trips or money. He won a trip to Paris as a prize in the competition The lottery has a grand prize of one million dollars
award	An 'award' is a broad term used for any form of recognition usually given in a formal setting, such as a ceremony. It encompasses certificates, medals, and trophies, given for various achievements in different fields, not limited to sports. She received an award for her contribution to science The film won several awards at the festival

Examples of usage

The team celebrated their victory by lifting the championship cup.
The tennis player proudly displayed her collection of tournament cups.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Origin of 'cup'

The word 'cup' has roots in Old English and is derived from the Latin word 'cuppa'. It has been used for centuries to refer to a container for drinking liquids. In sports, the concept of awarding a cup as a prize dates back to ancient times, symbolizing victory and achievement. The measurement cup became standardized in the culinary world to ensure accurate recipes and proportions.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #2,644, this word belongs to solid intermediate vocabulary. It's frequently used in both casual and formal contexts and is worth learning for better fluency.

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