First Known Use: before 12th century
Dictionary
1cup
noun \ˈkəp\
: a small round container that often has a handle and that is used for drinking liquids (such as tea and coffee)
: the liquid that is contained in a cup
: a unit of measurement that is used when you are cooking
Full Definition of CUP
1
: an open usually bowl-shaped drinking vessel
2
a : a drinking vessel and its contents b : the consecrated wine of the Communion
3
: something that falls to one's lot
4
: an ornamental cup offered as a prize (as in a championship)
5
: something resembling a cup: as a : a cup-shaped plant organ b : an athletic supporter reinforced usually with plastic to provide extra protection to the wearer c : either of two parts of a brassiere that are shaped like and fit over the breasts d : the metal case inside a hole in golf; also : the hole itself
6
: a usually iced beverage resembling punch but served from a pitcher rather than a bowl
7
: a half pint : eight fluid ounces
8
: a food served in a cup-shaped usually footed vessel <a fruit cup>
9
: the symbol ∪ indicating the union of two sets — compare cap 7
— cup·like \-ˌlīk\ adjective
— in one's cups
: drunk
See cup defined for English-language learners
See cup defined for kids
ADVERTISEMENT
Origin of CUP
Middle English cuppe, from Old English, from Late Latin cuppa cup, alteration of Latin cupa tub — more at hive
Related to CUP
- Synonyms
- mug
2cup
verb
: to curve (your hand) into the shape of a cup
: to put your hand in a curved shape around (something)
cuppedcup·ping
Full Definition of CUP
transitive verb
1
: to treat by cupping
2
a : to curve into the shape of a cup <cupped his hands around his mouth> b : to place in or as if in a cup
See cup defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of CUP
14th century
CUP Defined for Kids
1cup
noun \ˈkəp\
Definition of CUP for Kids
1
: a container to drink out of in the shape of a small bowl usually with a handle
2
: the contents of a small drinking container : cupful <I drank a cup of tea.>
3
: a unit of measure that equals half a pint or eight fluid ounces
4
: a trophy in the shape of a cup with two handles
5
: something like a small bowl in shape or use <I picked her up in the cup of my hands … — Jean Craighead George, My Side of the Mountain>
2cup
verb
cuppedcup·ping
Definition of CUP for Kids
1
: to curve the hand or hands into the shape of a small bowl
2
: to put the hands in a curved shape around <She cupped my face.>
Learn More About CUP
Browse
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up cup? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).