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Definition of cup

cup

/kʌp/
cup

Plural:cups
•
Past Simple:cupped
•
Past Participle:cupped
•
Present Participle:cupping
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cup Lexical Profile

cup Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A small, open container typically used for drinking hot liquids, usually featuring a handle and a flat base.

Example

"She sat by the window, warming her hands around a fresh cup of coffee."


2

A standard unit of volume used primarily in cooking, equal to half a liquid pint, 8 fluid ounces, or approximately 236.6 milliliters in the US customary system.

Example

"The recipe calls for two cups of all-purpose flour and a pinch of salt."


3

An ornamental, bowl-shaped trophy awarded as a prize in a sports contest or competition.

Example

"The victorious team paraded around the stadium holding the championship cup high above their heads."

Synonyms
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• verb

1

To form one's hands into the curved, concave shape of a bowl.

Example

"He cupped his hands over his mouth to shout instructions over the loud machinery."


2

To place one's gracefully curved hand or hands gently around an object or person.

Example

"She gently cupped the fragile butterfly in her palms before releasing it into the garden."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for cup

Word Origin & Etymology

From Old English 'cuppe', which derives from Late Latin 'cuppa' (drinking vessel), likely related to Latin 'cupa' meaning 'tub' or 'cask'.

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020

Cite this Entry


Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Cup. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 6, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/cup
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