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

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 • Nov. 25, 2025

A month after the first signs of smoke and flame, victims are still mourning the loss of small things, a snapshot or a teacup.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 7, 2025

In the dining room of a chic Midtown restaurant, a teacup Pomeranian strutted across the floor.

From New York Times • May 16, 2024

While Nok took the seat, he raised the teacup to his lips and took a small sip.

From "A Wish in the Dark" by Christina Soontornvat

Related Words

• bowl
• drink
• mug