Definition

1. Noun:
   • A specific measured quantity: "cupful" refers to the exact amount of liquid or dry substance that fills a standard cup, used as a unit of measurement in cooking and recipes.
   • The capacity of a cup: It denotes the volume a cup can contain, typically equivalent to 8 fluid ounces or 16 tablespoons in the US customary system, or 250 milliliters in the metric system.

Usage

• "Cupful" is a countable noun used to specify an amount. It is commonly used in instructional contexts like recipes.
• It is often followed by "of" to indicate the substance being measured.
• Example:

Examples

• Noun:
  • The recipe requires two cupfuls of water.
  • She poured a cupful of milk for her cereal.
  • He measured a cupful of rice.

Advanced Usage

• "A cupful of": This phrase is used to describe not just a literal measurement but sometimes a satisfying or complete amount of something abstract.
  • After the long hike, he felt he deserved a cupful of happiness. (This is a figurative, literary use.)

Variants and Related Words

• Cup (n): The container itself, which can also be used as a unit of measure. (e.g., ).
• Cup (v): To form something into a cup-like shape. (e.g., ).
• Cupboard (n): A piece of furniture with shelves and doors, used for storage.

Synonyms

• Cup: When used as a measure (e.g., ).
• Measure: A general term for a specific quantity.

Notes on Meaning

• The primary meaning of "cupful" is a unit of volume. It should not be confused with the container ("cup").
• In everyday speech, "cup" is more frequently used than "cupful" for measurements (e.g., "a cup of coffee" is more common than "a cupful of coffee"), though both are correct. "Cupful" can emphasize the measured quantity itself.

Noun

1. the quantity a cup will hold
   • he drank a cup of coffee
   • he borrowed a cup of sugar