bouillon cup: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Rare / SpecializedFormal / Technical / Historical
Quick answer
What does “bouillon cup” mean?
A small cup with a handle, typically with a matching saucer, specifically designed for serving a single portion of clear broth or consommé.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A small cup with a handle, typically with a matching saucer, specifically designed for serving a single portion of clear broth or consommé.
Part of fine china or formal dinnerware sets; also refers to the type of dishware used in formal dining or historical contexts for serving clear soups. Can be used more broadly for small handled cups for other hot liquids in a delicate serving context.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term itself is identical and understood in both varieties, but its usage is largely confined to formal dining, antique collecting, and luxury tableware sectors. The concept is equally rare in everyday language in both regions.
Connotations
Connotes formality, antique or high-end china, traditional multi-course meals, and refined dining etiquette. No significant difference in connotation between UK and US.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in general language. Slightly more likely to be encountered in UK contexts related to antique auctions or historical drama, but equally present in US formal tableware catalogs.
Grammar
How to Use “bouillon cup” in a Sentence
The [adjective] bouillon cup [verb] on the saucer.Serve the consommé in a bouillon cup.A bouillon cup and saucer [verb] part of the set.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “bouillon cup” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The butler will bouillon-cup the consommé for the first course. (Highly archaic/creative use)
American English
- The caterer recommended we bouillon-cup the soup for a more elegant presentation. (Highly creative/jargon use)
adverb
British English
- The soup was served bouillon-cup style. (Highly contrived)
American English
- They dined bouillon-cup formally. (Highly contrived)
adjective
British English
- The bouillon-cup service was impeccable. (As compound adjective)
American English
- She preferred a bouillon-cup presentation for the clear soups. (As compound adjective)
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in the tableware, china manufacturing, and antique auction industries.
Academic
Used in historical studies, material culture, and studies of dining etiquette.
Everyday
Virtually never used in everyday conversation. Might be encountered in high-end home goods stores or historical TV dramas.
Technical
A precise term in formal table setting nomenclature, collectible china identification, and catering.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “bouillon cup”
- Using it to refer to any small cup.
- Pronouncing 'bouillon' incorrectly (e.g., /bɔɪlən/).
- Omitting the paired concept of a saucer.
- Using in informal contexts where 'small bowl' or 'cup' would suffice.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
A bouillon cup is specifically designed and sized for serving clear soups or broths, often slightly wider and shallower than a teacup, and is part of formal dinnerware. A teacup is for tea.
No, it is a rare and specialized term used primarily in formal dining, tableware collecting, and historical contexts.
Traditionally, yes. In formal table settings and antique sets, a bouillon cup is almost always paired with a matching saucer.
While physically possible, it would be unconventional. Its design and cultural association are specifically for clear soups in a formal meal sequence.
A small cup with a handle, typically with a matching saucer, specifically designed for serving a single portion of clear broth or consommé.
Bouillon cup is usually formal / technical / historical in register.
Bouillon cup: in British English it is pronounced /ˈbuːjɒn kʌp/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈbʊlˌjɑn kʌp/ or /ˈbuːjɑːn kʌp/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None. The term is too specific for idiomatic use.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: BOUILLON is a clear broth. A BOUILLON CUP is its special little home for fancy meals.
Conceptual Metaphor
CONTAINER FOR A SPECIFIC CONTENT (The form defines and is defined by its specific function).
Practice
Quiz
In which context are you MOST likely to encounter the term 'bouillon cup'?