What is cupboard? Pronunciation and usage in English

cupboard means . Learn how to pronounce and use cupboard through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of cupboard

cupboardnoun

/ˈkʌbəd/
Definition & pronunciation of cupboard

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "cupboard" in English. It can be tricky for non-native speakers! Here's a breakdown:

1. The Core Sounds:

  • "cup": Sounds like "cup" – as in, a drinking cup. /kʌp/
  • "board": Sounds like "board" – as in, a wooden board. /bɔːrd/

2. Combining Them:

The key is to link those two words together smoothly. Here's the typical pronunciation:

  • /kʌbɔːrd/

Let's break that down syllable by syllable:

  • "cup" - /kʌp/ (short 'u' sound, followed by a 'p' sound)
  • "board" - /bɔːrd/ (The 'a' here is like the 'a' in "father," and it's a longer sound - a broad 'a').

3. Putting it all together - a slow, clear example:

"Kuh-buh-bord" (emphasize the first syllable, "cup")

4. Tips for Getting it Right:

  • Stress: The primary stress is on the first syllable ("cup").
  • 'Board' Sound: Really focus on making the 'a' in "board" sound like the broad 'a' – similar to the 'a' in "father" or "car." It’s not like the short 'a' in "cat."
  • Linking: The words flow together. It’s not “cup-board,” it's “cup-board.”

Resources for Hearing It:

Would you like me to:

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Usage and examples with the word cupboard in English

Let's break down how to use the word "cupboard" in English. It's a fairly common word with several different uses!

1. The Most Common Meaning: A Cabinet for Storage

  • Definition: A cupboard is a small, usually wooden cabinet with shelves and doors, used for storing food, dishes, or other household items. It's essentially a smaller version of a pantry or sideboard.
  • Examples:
    • "I put the cereal and milk in the kitchen cupboard."
    • "She opened the cupboard to find a stack of plates."
    • "We need to tidy up the cupboards and throw away expired food."
    • "The cupboards are full of spices."

2. Formal/Literary Meaning: A Small Closet or Alcove

  • Definition: Historically, and still sometimes used in more formal or literary writing, "cupboard" can refer to a small, enclosed space – almost like a tiny closet or alcove. This usage is less common in everyday conversation.
  • Examples:
    • "The Queen retreated to her cupboard for a moment of quiet." (Suggests a small, private room)
    • "He disappeared into the cupboard." (Implies a small, tucked-away space)

3. Figurative Usage (Less Common):

  • Sometimes, "cupboard love" is used to describe a shallow, passionless, or unromantic relationship. It implies a lack of deep emotion.
    • "Their marriage was often described as ‘cupboard love’ – polite but utterly devoid of affection."

Here's a table summarizing the different uses:

Meaning Description Example
Storage Cabinet A small cabinet for items “I grabbed a mug from the cupboard.”
Small Closet/Alcove A small, enclosed space “He hid behind the cupboard.”
Figurative Shallow, passionless relationship “Their love was just ‘cupboard love.’”

Tips for Using "Cupboard" Correctly:

  • Context is key: Pay attention to the situation to understand which meaning is intended.
  • Specificity: Consider whether "cabinet," "closet," or "shelf" might be a clearer choice in some cases.

Do you want me to:

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  • Explain a specific sentence using "cupboard"?
  • Help you with a different word related to storage (like “pantry,” “shelf,” or “drawer")?

Synonyms for the word cupboard

Idioms of the word cupboard

the cupboard is bare
(British English)used to say that there is no money for something
  • They are seeking more funds but the cupboard is bare.
cupboard love
(British English, old-fashioned)love that somebody, especially a child, shows towards somebody else in order to get something
    a skeleton in the cupboard
    (informal)something shocking, embarrassing, etc. that has happened to you or your family in the past that you want to keep secret

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