Definition

A small cup that is typically used for drinking tea, often accompanied by a saucer.

Example

She poured the tea into her favorite teacup before serving it to her guests.

Conversation

I just got the cutest teacup at the market yesterday.

That sounds adorable! What does it look like?

It's a light blue color with little flowers on it.

I love that! It must be perfect for your afternoon tea.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Teacup → The word is formed from "tea" (from Chinese *t'e, meaning a beverage made from the leaves of the tea plant) and "cup" (from Old English *cuppe, meaning a small, typically round container for drinking). A teacup is thus a cup specifically designed for drinking tea.

Memory Tip

Think of the beverage 'tea' and the container 'cup' to remember that a teacup is a cup for enjoying tea.

Visually Confused Words