cup

noun

\ˈkəp

Definition of cup

(Entry 1 of 2)

1 : an open usually bowl-shaped drinking vessel

2a : a drinking vessel and its contents

b : the consecrated wine of the Communion

3 : something that falls to one's lot

4 : an ornamental cup offered as a prize (as in a championship)

5 : something resembling a cup: such as

a : a cup-shaped plant organ

b : an athletic supporter reinforced usually with plastic to provide extra protection to the wearer

c : either of two parts of a brassiere that are shaped like and fit over the breasts

d : the metal case inside a hole in golf also : the hole itself

6 : a usually iced beverage resembling punch but served from a pitcher rather than a bowl

7 : a half pint : eight fluid ounces

8 : a food served in a cup-shaped usually footed vessel a fruit cup

9 : the symbol ∪ indicating the union of two sets — compare cap sense 7

in one's cups

: drunk

cup

verb

cupped; cupping

Definition of cup (Entry 2 of 2)

transitive verb

1 : to treat by cupping

2a : to curve into the shape of a cup cupped his hands around his mouth

b : to place in or as if in a cup

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Examples of cup in a Sentence

Noun

Would you like another cup of tea? The winner will take home the cup.

Verb

He cupped his hands around his mouth and shouted at us. I had to cup my hand to my ear in order to hear him. He cupped his mouth with his hands and shouted at us. I sat with my chin cupped in my hand.

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

San Diego is considering prohibiting a particularly ubiquitous plastic product: expanded polystyrene (EPS)—better known as styrofoam—which is used widely in takeout food containers, cups, ice chests, and packing peanuts. — Camille Harmer, Fortune, "How Banning Plastic Straws Could Make Pollution Even Worse," 12 July 2018 Passenger and luggage room are good, and there are plenty of cubbies and bins for cups, glasses and the like. — Mark Phelan, Detroit Free Press, "Review: 2019 Jetta is Volkswagen’s best compact sedan," 12 July 2018 Most students were raised in the metric system, and suddenly need to think in pounds and cups, not kilograms and liters. — Anya Van Wagtendonk, Philly.com, "For these immigrants, flipping pancakes and learning English go hand-in-hand," 12 July 2018 Shipped in ready-to-heat cups (simply microwave for one to two minutes), the preservative-free vegetable medleys are available in three refreshing flavors: chickpea and za’atar, beet and sesame, and kale and lemongrass. — Zoe Ruffner, Vogue, "5 New Healthy Meal-Delivery Programs, Just In Time for Summer," 11 July 2018 Joining the Center Market on Saturday is Fat Corgi Confections with chocolate covered sea salt caramels, chocolate turtles, peanut butter cups, chocolate covered papaya and chocolate bark. — Steve Edwards, Anchorage Daily News, "Last week’s warm weather means more local veggies at farmers markets this week," 11 July 2018 James McCready attempted to cover security cameras with party cups, the paper reported, citing witnesses. — Fox News, "Florida police emergency-response team drank beer before city was slammed with Hurricane Irma: report," 10 July 2018 Toss with about ½ cup of vinaigrette, making sure to combine thoroughly so the rusks begin to soak up the vinaigrette. — Sarah Fritsche, SFChronicle.com, "Recipe: Tawla’s Fattoush," 3 July 2018 The cups, hand-painted and signed, incorporate the artist’s signature blue and white in reference to traditional Asian ceramic glazes, Dutch Delftware and Blue Willow china patterns. — Matthew J. Palm, OrlandoSentinel.com, "Take home art by Jiha Moon at Mennello special events," 3 July 2018

Recent Examples on the Web: Verb

Acupuncture, herbal and dietary supplementation, medical massage, cupping, and a variety of other techniques all fall under the broader umbrella of TCM. — Abigail Barronian, Outside Online, "Traditional Chinese Medicine Holds the Secret to Heath," 1 June 2018 The former Patriots receiver Deion Branch cupped his hand to his ear, pro wrestling style, during his turn. — Marc Tracy, New York Times, "N.F.L. Draft 2018 Round 2 and 3 Live Updates," 28 Apr. 2018 One photo, taken on June 30, 1998, shows Kenny G playing the saxophone for two girls decked out in scrunchies and tie-dye; in the background, a man cups the cheeks of a woman grinning from ear to ear. — Elena Weissmann, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Summerfest 1998 featured scrunchies, tie-dye and Widespread Panic," 28 June 2018 To double check, hold the shoe upright, cup your palm around the heel and try to fold the toe back toward the heel. — Elizabeth Narins, Cosmopolitan, "11 Things You Need to Know Before You Buy Running Shoes," 8 July 2014 But when a veterinarian cupped Henrietta’s face in her hands, the puppy weakly thumped her tail. — Mary Carole Mccauley, baltimoresun.com, "Emaciated puppy found under pile of trash is fighting for her life," 13 July 2018 So when Guerra finally blew his whistle, defender Matt Besler squatted near the midfield stripe, balancing himself with his right hand while cupping his face with the left to hide the tears. — Kevin Baxter, latimes.com, "As World Cup looms, U.S. players still lament loss in Trinidad," 7 May 2018 The crescendo came when Rory sank an uphill 50-foot-long birdie putt on the eighth hole and let out a thunderous roar, cupping his ear and yelling at the partisan American crowd. — Jesse Smithey, Detroit Free Press, "Ryder Cup rematch? Rory McIlroy vs. Patrick Reed in Masters Sunday final pair," 7 Apr. 2018 Peony Varieties That Bloom From Early To Midseason Stardust: single flowers with shining white petals cupped around golden stamens bloom on strong tall stems early in the season. — The Editors Of Organic Life, Good Housekeeping, "How To Grow Your Own Gorgeous Peonies," 9 Mar. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'cup.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.