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

“When people say, ‘Oh, it’s a teacup pig,’ I’m like, ‘That is not a thing. That does not exist,’” said Lynsey Rosen, a veterinarian in Southern California who treats dozens of mini pigs each month.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 3, 2026

A Limoges teacup had survived the fire, and Huneven used it to scoop them up.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 1, 2025

What does the word "teacup" mean to you about this show?

From Salon • Oct. 26, 2024

Even the video itself with Ms Barr – who has herself been embroiled in more than a few controversies – holding a teacup and nodding along as Mr Kennedy recounted his tale.

From BBC • Aug. 5, 2024

She ignored this remark and, looking out the dark window, took another sip from the teacup.

From "The Secret History" by Donna Tartt

Related Words

• bowl
• drink
• mug