teacup

American  

[tee-kuhp] / ˈtiˌkʌp /

noun

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

2. a teacupful.

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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

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Etymology

Origin of teacup

First recorded in 1690–1700; tea + cup

Example Sentences

“I thought I was going daft. I thought I might end up wearing a teacup on my head and spouting limerick poems.”

From Literature

Danny was too small to go on the one roller coaster, but at least they got to go on the carousel and teacup ride, where they could spin themselves over and over again.

From Literature

“Yes, I notice small changes. The sugar bowl on the table. That wasn’t there. Those two books that are off the shelf. The teacup next to the chair. I see it clear as day, now.”

From Literature

“Give me two seconds,” she says to us as she whisks by with a huge green teapot and six matching teacups balanced on a tray.

From Literature

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

From BBC

Related Words

• bowl
• drink
• mug