teacup

American  

[tee-kuhp] / ˈtiˌkʌp /

noun

1. a cup in which tea is served, usually of small or moderate size.

2. a teacupful.

---

idioms

1. tempest in a teacup / teapot, a disturbance or uproar about little or nothing: Also storm in a teacup.

   The fight over who should become the next assistant treasurer of the organization is just a tempest in a teacup.

teacup British  

/ ˈtiːˌkʌp /

noun

1. a cup out of which tea may be drunk, larger than a coffee cup

2. Also called: teacupful.  the amount a teacup will hold, about four fluid ounces

---

Etymology

Origin of teacup

First recorded in 1690–1700; tea + cup

Example Sentences

Meanwhile, teapot and teacup plushies were among the items sold at special outlets in Beijing and Shanghai last year.

From BBC

Your first inclination will be to try to solve it like a puzzle, where you’ll search for the pieces that match, the teacup or bowl you can reassemble.

From Salon

Lady Constance nearly dropped her teacup but recovered.

From Literature

Phil Rutherford, a radiological risk expert and corporate consultant, called the delayed notification “unacceptable” but said the San Francisco health department’s letter was “a storm in a teacup” considering the low levels of radioactive material.

From Los Angeles Times

The Seven Teacups Trail, about 4 miles long, is known for its continuous, cascading pools that resemble teacups.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• bowl
• drink
• mug