A1 noun Neutral #444 most common

cup

/kʌp/

A small, open container used for drinking liquids, usually featuring a handle. It can also refer to a specific unit of measurement used in cooking and baking.

Examples

3 of 5
1

I drink a cup of coffee every morning before work.

I drink a cup of coffee every morning before work.

2

The host offered each attendee a cup of herbal tea.

The host offered each attendee a cup of herbal tea.

3

Grab a cup from the cupboard if you're thirsty.

Grab a cup from the cupboard if you're thirsty.

Word Family

Noun
cup
Verb
cup
Adjective
cupped
Related
cupcake
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Memory Tip

Look at the letter 'C' in 'cup'—it looks like the curved side of a cup!

Quick Quiz

Please pour me a ___ of hot chocolate.

Correct!

The correct answer is: cup

Examples

1

I drink a cup of coffee every morning before work.

everyday

I drink a cup of coffee every morning before work.

2

The host offered each attendee a cup of herbal tea.

formal

The host offered each attendee a cup of herbal tea.

3

Grab a cup from the cupboard if you're thirsty.

informal

Grab a cup from the cupboard if you're thirsty.

4

The procedure requires the addition of one cup of saline solution.

academic

The procedure requires the addition of one cup of saline solution.

5

We can finalize the contract details over a cup of coffee.

business

We can finalize the contract details over a cup of coffee.

Word Family

Noun
cup
Verb
cup
Adjective
cupped
Related
cupcake

Common Collocations

a cup of tea a cup of tea
measuring cup measuring cup
coffee cup coffee cup
paper cup paper cup
plastic cup plastic cup

Common Phrases

not my cup of tea

not something I like or am interested in

a storm in a teacup

great excitement or anger about something trivial

cup of joe

a cup of coffee

Often Confused With

cup vs mug

A mug is typically larger, thicker, and used without a saucer, whereas a cup is often more delicate.

cup vs glass

A glass is made of glass and usually lacks a handle, while a cup is often ceramic and has a handle.

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Usage Notes

The word 'cup' is used both for the object itself and as a measure of volume (e.g., 'add a cup of sugar'). In British English, 'a cuppa' is a common informal term for a cup of tea.

⚠️

Common Mistakes

Learners sometimes forget the preposition 'of' when mentioning the contents. Say 'a cup of water,' not 'a cup water.'

💡

Memory Tip

Look at the letter 'C' in 'cup'—it looks like the curved side of a cup!

📖

Word Origin

Derived from the Old English 'cuppe', which comes from the Late Latin 'cuppa'.

Grammar Patterns

Countable noun: one cup, two cups Pattern: cup of + [noun]
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Cultural Context

In many cultures, offering a guest a cup of tea or coffee is a fundamental gesture of hospitality and welcome.

Quick Quiz

Please pour me a ___ of hot chocolate.

Correct!

The correct answer is: cup

Related Phrases

More Food words

meal

A1

A meal is an occasion when food is eaten, or the specific food that is prepared and eaten at a certain time of day. It usually refers to the main eating events such as breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

juice

A1

Juice is the liquid that comes from fruits and vegetables when they are squeezed or crushed. It is a common beverage enjoyed cold and is often consumed during breakfast.

coffee

A1

Coffee is a popular dark-colored drink made from roasted and ground seeds called beans. It is usually served hot or cold and contains caffeine, which helps people feel more awake and energetic.

cheese

A1

A solid food made from the pressed curds of milk, often flavored and aged. It is a common dairy product used in sandwiches, pizzas, and many cooked dishes around the world.

beef

A1

Beef is the culinary name for meat from cattle, particularly cows. It is a popular source of protein consumed in many different forms, such as steaks, roasts, or ground meat.

orange

A1

A round citrus fruit with a bright reddish-yellow skin and juicy segments inside. It is well-known for being a rich source of Vitamin C and is commonly eaten fresh or squeezed into juice.

watermelon

A1

A watermelon is a very large, round or oval fruit with a hard green skin and a sweet, watery red or pink interior. It is commonly eaten cold during the summer months and is known for its high water content and black seeds.

lemon

A1

A lemon is a yellow citrus fruit that has a very sour taste. It is commonly used in cooking, baking, and drinks to add a fresh or acidic flavor.

peach

A1

A peach is a round, sweet fruit with soft, fuzzy skin and a large hard seed in the middle. It is usually orange or yellow and is commonly eaten fresh or used in desserts during the summer.

pineapple

A1

A large, tropical fruit with a tough, scaly skin and a tuft of green leaves on top. It has sweet, juicy yellow flesh inside and is eaten fresh, canned, or as juice.

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