cupboard

noun

cup·​board ˈkə-bərd 

: a closet with shelves where dishes, utensils, or food is kept

also : a small closet

Synonyms of cupboard

• pantry

Examples of cupboard in a Sentence

the colonial dining room features a double-door corner cupboard for the family's finest china

dishes go in the cupboard next to the sink

Recent Examples on the Web

In practice, this might mean the kids know candy is in the house but stored out of reach in the kitchen cupboards. — Bryn Beeder, The Conversation, 1 Nov. 2026

Assistant general manager Ed Dodds was elevated to interim GM and has clearly been tasked with restocking the draft cupboard. — Daniel Popper, New York Times, 27 Oct. 2026

Likewise, Cosori recommends keeping its air fryer away from cupboards and steam-sensitive surfaces, with about 5 inches of clearance behind and above it. — Ryan Brennan, Sacbee.com, 22 Oct. 2026

Revitalift products have been in my mom’s bathroom cupboard for some time. — Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 2 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1530, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing cupboard

• airing cupboard
• skeletons in the/someone's cupboard

Kids Definition

cupboard

noun

cup·​board ˈkəb-ərd 

: a closet with shelves for cups, dishes, or food