noun
teacup
TEE-kuhp
Teacup (noun) means a small cup, usually with a handle, used for drinking tea. Example: “She set out the good china teacups for her guests.”
noun
1
A small cup, usually with a handle, used for drinking tea.
"She set out the good china teacups for her guests."
adj
1
Describing an animal bred to be unusually small.
"The breeder specialised in teacup poodles."
How to use teacup
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA small cup made for tea, or (as an adjective) describing a tiny breed of pet.
Common pairings
teacup poodle
a set of teacups
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Word forms
- Plural
- teacups
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
She set out the good china _____ for her guests.
Etymology
A simple compound of tea and cup.
Synonyms
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Frequently asked questions
What does “teacup” mean?
The word “teacup” means a small cup, usually with a handle, used for drinking tea. In plain terms, a small cup made for tea, or (as an adjective) describing a tiny breed of pet.
How do you pronounce “teacup”?
“Teacup” is pronounced TEE-kuhp (/ˈtiː.kʌp/ in IPA).
How do you use “teacup” in a sentence?
Here is “teacup” used in a sentence: “She set out the good china teacups for her guests.”
What part of speech is “teacup”?
Depending on how it is used, “teacup” can be a noun and an adjective.
How many meanings does “teacup” have?
“Teacup” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a small cup, usually with a handle, used for drinking tea.