# teacup

/ˈtiˌkəp/ (US) · /tˈiːkʌp/ (UK) · CEFR A1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/teacup
Updated: 2026-05-30

## Definition

a small cup used for drinking tea. It usually has a handle to help you hold it without burning your hand.

For teachers: 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.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.