measuring cup

Definition

Noun:
- A graduated cup specifically designed for measuring the volume of liquid or dry (granular) ingredients in cooking and baking. It typically has measurement markings on its side.

Usage

Primary Use: To accurately measure ingredients by volume for recipes.
Key Feature: Has clear measurement lines (graduations) indicating units like cups, milliliters, or ounces.
Context: Used almost exclusively in a culinary or food preparation setting.

Examples

Noun:
- Please use a measuring cup for the flour, not just any mug.
- The recipe calls for one cup of milk, so I poured it into the liquid measuring cup first.
- She filled the measuring cup to the 250-milliliter line with water.

Advanced Usage

"Dry measuring cup" vs. "Liquid measuring cup": While both are "measuring cups," they are often distinguished. A dry measuring cup is typically a set of individual cups for specific amounts (e.g., 1 cup, 1/2 cup) meant to be filled and leveled off. A liquid measuring cup is usually a single transparent cup with a spout and markings on the side, designed to be filled to a line.
- For accuracy, use a dry measuring cup for the brown sugar and a liquid measuring cup for the oil.

Variants and Related Words

Measure (verb): To determine the quantity or capacity of something.
- Measure out two cups of rice.
Graduated cylinder (noun): A similar laboratory tool for precise liquid measurement, not used for cooking.
Measuring spoon (noun): A smaller utensil from the same category, used for measuring smaller volumes like teaspoons or tablespoons.

Synonyms

Graduated cup: A more formal term emphasizing the measurement markings.
Measuring jug (chiefly British English): A common synonym, especially for larger liquid measuring cups with a handle.

Related Phrases

"To cup" (verb): This is a different, unrelated action meaning to form one's hand into a cup-like shape. It is not a phrasal verb of "measuring cup."
- She cupped her hands to drink from the stream.

Notes on Meaning

The term "measuring cup" refers specifically to the tool itself. It does not describe the act of measuring.
It is a compound noun. The word "cup" here does not carry its standalone meaning of a drinking vessel but is part of the fixed name for the kitchen tool.

Noun