Definition

A person who serves drinks, especially wine, in a royal or formal setting.

Example

The cupbearer presented the king with a beautifully crafted goblet of wine.

Conversation

Did you know that a cupbearer was an important role in royal households?

Really? I didn't know that — what did they actually do?

They were responsible for filling and serving wine to the guests.

That sounds like a pretty prestigious job!

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Cupbearer → It is formed from "cup" (from Old English "cuppe", meaning a drinking vessel) and "bearer" (from Old English "beran", meaning to carry). A cupbearer is someone who carries or serves drinks, particularly in a royal or formal setting.

Memory Tip

Think of someone who 'carries' ('bearer') a 'drinking vessel' ('cup') to serve drinks — that's what a cupbearer does.

Visually Confused Words