Word
teacup
US/ˈtiˌkəp/
UK/tˈiːkʌp/
Countable noun
Definition
n. a small cup used for drinking tea. It usually has a handle to help you hold it without burning your hand.
n. a small ceramic or porcelain vessel with a handle, designed specifically for the consumption of tea.
Examples
“She placed the hot teacup on the saucer.”
“The antique teacup was so delicate that it had to be handled with extreme care during the move.”
“While modern glassware is popular for coffee, the traditional teacup remains the preferred vessel for serving fine loose-leaf varieties due to its ability to retain heat and aroma.”
Examples
simple
“She placed the hot teacup on the saucer.”
contextual
“The antique teacup was so delicate that it had to be handled with extreme care during the move.”
complex
“While modern glassware is popular for coffee, the traditional teacup remains the preferred vessel for serving fine loose-leaf varieties due to its ability to retain heat and aroma.”
Etymology
From tea + cup.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.A1 MoversIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.2.0–3.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 1.0–1.50–23TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.120–224
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- A1 · Beginner
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/teacup