Cupboard

Definition

Cupboard refers to a cabinet or closet with shelves for storing items, typically used for food, dishes, or household items. It is often found in kitchens or dining areas.

Parts of Speech

• Noun

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈkʌb.ərd/
• Respelling: KUB-ərd

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈkʌb.əd/
• Respelling: KUB-əd

Etymology

The word "cupboard" originates from Middle English, where it initially described a board or table for holding cups. Over time, it came to signify a cabinet or small storage space for household items, eventually evolving into its modern usage as a storage cabinet with doors.

Derivatives

• Cupboarding (noun)
• Cupboardful (noun)
• Uncupboarded (adjective)
• Under-cupboard (noun)
• Cupboardless (adjective)

Synonyms

• Cabinet
• Closet
• Pantry

Antonyms

• None

Usage

The term "cupboard" is widely used to describe a storage cabinet, particularly for items like food or kitchenware. For example, "She stored the spices in the kitchen cupboard." It is commonly found in household and kitchen settings.

Related Terms

• Pantry: A small room or closet used for storing food, dishes, and provisions.
• Shelf: A flat surface attached to a wall or in a cabinet, used for storage.
• Storage: The act or method of storing items for future use.

Detailed Definitions

Noun

• A cabinet or closet with shelves for storing items, often in kitchens: Refers to a storage unit for dishes, food, or other household items.
  • Example: "The plates and cups were kept in the cupboard near the sink."
• A piece of furniture used for storage, sometimes with doors: Describes a freestanding or built-in unit for holding various items.
  • Example: "The old wooden cupboard was filled with books and trinkets."