What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
teacup
Example
She sipped her tea from a delicate teacup. [teacup: noun]
Example
The teacups were decorated with intricate floral patterns. [teacups: noun]
cup
Example
He poured the coffee into a large cup. [cup: noun]
Example
She held the cup with both hands to keep it from spilling. [cup: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Cup is a more commonly used word than teacup in everyday language. Cup is a general term that covers a wide range of contexts, while teacup is a more specific term associated with a formal setting.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between teacup and cup?
Teacup is typically associated with a more formal and elegant tone, while cup is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
