cupboard

[ˈkʌbərd]

cupboard Definition

a piece of furniture or a small part of a room with a door or doors behind which there is space for storing things, usually on shelves.

Using cupboard: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "cupboard" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

  • Example

    She opened the cupboard to get a glass.

  • Example

    The cupboard was filled with plates and bowls.

  • Example

    He found the book in the cupboard.

  • Example

    The cupboard door was stuck.

cupboard Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for cupboard

Phrases with cupboard

  • to remove all the items from a cupboard and clean it thoroughly

    Example

    I need to clean out the cupboard before I can put anything else in it.

  • skeletons in the cupboard

    secrets or embarrassing facts about someone's past that they would prefer to keep hidden

    Example

    Everyone has skeletons in the cupboard that they don't want to talk about.

  • a warm cupboard used for storing freshly washed clothes or linen until they are dry

    Example

    She put the towels in the airing cupboard to dry.

Origins of cupboard

from Middle English 'cuppebord', meaning 'a board or table for cups'

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Summary: cupboard in Brief

A 'cupboard' [ˈkʌbərd] is a piece of furniture or a small part of a room with a door or doors that opens to reveal shelves for storing things. It is commonly used to store dishes, books, and other household items. Phrases like 'clean out the cupboard' and 'skeletons in the cupboard' refer to cleaning or revealing secrets, while 'airing cupboard' denotes a warm place to dry laundry.

How do native speakers use this expression?