UK:**UK and possibly other pronunciationsUK and possibly other pronunciations/ˈkʌp/US:USA pronunciation: IPA and respellingUSA pronunciation: IPA/kʌp/ ,USA pronunciation: respelling(kup)
a small, open container of china, metal, etc., usually with a handle, used as a drinking vessel for hot beverages:We put out the cups and saucers for coffee and tea.
a cup with its contents:had a cup of hot coffee for breakfast.
the quantity contained in a cup:poured out a cup of coffee.
Fooda unit of capacity equal to 8 fluid ounces (237 milliliters) or 16 tablespoons; half pint:two cups of flour.
an ornamental bowl, vase, etc., offered as a prize for a contest:When she won the tennis tournament, she held up the silver cup for everyone to see.
any cuplike part, utensil, etc.:the cup of a flower.
Clothingeither of the two forms that cover the breasts in a brassiere.
Clothingan athletic supporter reinforced with rigid plastic or metal.
v.[~ + object]
to take, place, or hold in or as if in a cup:He cupped the baby's face in his hands.
to form into a cuplike shape: He cupped his hands and caught the ball.
Idioms
Idiomsin one's cups, [be + ~] intoxicated; drunk.
Idiomsone's cup of tea, [uncountable* used esp. in a negative phrase] something suited or attractive to one.
cup(kup),USA pronunciationn., v.,cupped, cup•ping. n.
a small, open container made of china, glass, metal, etc., usually having a handle and used chiefly as a receptable from which to drink tea, soup, etc.
the bowllike part of a goblet or the like.
a cup with its contents.
the quantity contained in a cup.
a unit of capacity, equal to 8 fluid ounces (237 milliliters) or 16 tablespoons; half-pint.
an ornamental bowl, vase, etc., esp. of precious metal, offered as a prize for a contest.
any of various beverages, as a mixture of wine and various ingredients:claret cup.
the chalice used in the Eucharist.
the wine of the Eucharist.
something to be partaken of or endured; one's portion, as of joy or suffering.
cups, the drinking of intoxicating liquors.
any cuplike utensil, organ, part, cavity, etc.
Clothingeither of the two forms that cover and usually support the breasts in a brassiere or other garment, as a bathing suit.
an athletic supporter reinforced with rigid plastic or metal for added protection.
[Golf.]
the metal receptacle within the hole.
the hole itself.
(cap.) [Astron.]the constellation Crater.
See cupping glass.
[Metalworking.]a cylindrical shell closed at one end, esp. one produced in the first stages of a deep-drawing operation.
[Math.]the cuplike symbol ∪, used to indicate the union of two sets. Cf. union (def. 10a).
in one's cups, intoxicated; drunk.
v.t.
to take or place in, or as in, a cup:He cupped his ear with the palm of his hand.
to form into a cuplike shape:He cupped his hands.
to use a cupping glass on.
[Metalworking.]to form (tubing, containers, etc.) by punching hot strip or sheet metal and drawing it through a die. Cf. deep-draw.