teacup

noun

tea·​cup ˈtē-ˌkəp How to pronounce teacup (audio)
Synonyms of teacupnext
: a small cup usually with a handle used with a saucer for hot beverages
teacupful
ˈtē-ˌkəp-ˌfu̇l How to pronounce teacup (audio)
noun

Examples of teacup in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The parents show the breed standard as an adult, and if the parents are well below the breed standard, the animal could be a teacup. — Maddie Rhodes, USA Today, 3 Sep. 2026 The delicate teacups and saucers (like many of the hotel’s ceramics) are made by Noritake—a historic Japanese ceramics company which produced the nation’s first Western-style dinner set in 1914, just a few years after the prison opened. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 Sep. 2026 There’s a giant teacup — stripped down to primer gray — in the spray paint bay waiting for its new coats. — Carole Horst, Variety, 21 Aug. 2026 Without changing position, Shoichiro took the teacup from his father. — Cynthia Zarin, Harpers Magazine, 4 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for teacup

Word History

First Known Use

1700, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of teacup was in 1700

Phrases Containing teacup

Rhymes for teacup

See All Rhymes for teacup

Browse Nearby Words

tea crab
teacup
teacupful
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Teacup.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/teacup. Accessed 7 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

teacup

noun
tea·​cup ˈtē-ˌkəp How to pronounce teacup (audio)
: a small cup used with a saucer for hot beverages

More from Merriam-Webster on teacup

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for teacup

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