What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
cupcake
Example
I love to bake cupcakes for my friends' birthdays. [cupcakes: noun]
Example
She was frosting the cupcakes with pink icing and rainbow sprinkles. [cupcakes: plural noun]
muffin
Example
I had a blueberry muffin and coffee for breakfast this morning. [muffin: noun]
Example
She was baking muffins for the charity bake sale. [muffins: plural noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Muffin is more commonly used than cupcake in everyday language, as it is a more versatile food item that can be eaten for breakfast or as a snack. Cupcakes are more associated with special occasions and celebrations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between cupcake and muffin?
Muffin is generally considered more informal than cupcake, which is often associated with special events and formal occasions. However, both words can be used in a variety of settings depending on the context.