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

Clare filled two copper teacups and called behind himself, “Would you like fresh tree sap in your tea?”

From Literature

There was a crash in the hall as the front door burst open and a smaller crash close by as Cocky dropped a teacup.

From Literature

Unassuming from the outside, the shop opens into a huge ark of mortar-crusted brick and ribcage-like beams, with long dining tables displaying shapely vases, pitchers, teacups and plates in shades of apricot, amber and malachite.

From The Wall Street Journal

The teacup trembled in my hand and hot tea spilled over the sides, scalding my fingertips.

From Literature

Only when she’s shown us to the kitchen table and placed two teacups in front of us does she speak again, in a flat, businesslike tone of voice.

From Literature

Related Words

• bowl
• drink
• mug