teacup

[ tee-kuhp ]

noun

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

teacup

/ ˈtiːˌkʌp /

noun

1. a cup out of which tea may be drunk, larger than a coffee cup
2. Also calledteacupful the amount a teacup will hold, about four fluid ounces

Word History and Origins

Origin of teacup¹

First recorded in 1690–1700; tea + cup

Idioms and Phrases

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.

Example Sentences

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

From Salon

The trail goes through a rock canyon that contains “teacups,” or pools, before ending along the Kern River.

From Los Angeles Times

For decades, this force of nature has made a daily ritual of manipulating earth, water and fire to create perfectly imperfect stoneware dishes, bowls, teacups and vases as well as animal and cartoon character figurines.

From Los Angeles Times

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

Momentary pictures emerge from the crackling cloud and then sink back — a girl walking, a simple clapboard building, a hand holding a teacup, a car careening over a steep embankment and more.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• bowl
• drink
• mug