capful: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, Technical, Literary
Quick answer
What does “capful” mean?
The amount that a cap can hold.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The amount that a cap can hold; a small, cap-sized quantity of something, typically a liquid or powder.
A small, measured, or limited amount of something, often used metaphorically to indicate a small quantity or a brief instance (e.g., a capful of wind).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. The word is equally rare in both varieties. The metaphorical use (e.g., 'a capful of wind') may be slightly more associated with British nautical or literary contexts.
Connotations
Neutral and precise when used literally. Archaic or quaint when used metaphorically.
Frequency
Very low frequency in both dialects. Most commonly encountered in specific contexts like laundry product instructions or old literary texts.
Grammar
How to Use “capful” in a Sentence
[Verb] + a capful + of + [Noun] (e.g., Add a capful of detergent.)[Determiner] + capful + (e.g., He measured out a careful capful.)Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Potentially in product instructions or specifications for concentrates.
Academic
Very rare. Might appear in historical texts or specific technical writing.
Everyday
Most common in the context of following instructions for household cleaning products or personal care items.
Technical
Used in formulations, recipes, or instructions where a specific, small volume is indicated by a container's cap.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “capful”
- Using 'capful' for large or unmeasured amounts.
- Misspelling as 'capfull' (only one 'l').
- Using it as a verb (e.g., 'Capful the detergent').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is an informal, approximate measure based on the size of a specific container's cap. It is not a standardized unit like a millilitre or teaspoon.
Yes, though less common. It can be used for powders or granules, like a 'capful of powder detergent' or 'a capful of grated cheese' (if the cap is used as a scoop).
The standard plural is 'capfuls' (e.g., 'two capfuls of medicine'). The form 'capsful' is archaic and rarely used.
No, it is considered archaic or literary. You might encounter it in older poetry or nautical writing, but it would sound unusual in modern everyday speech.
The amount that a cap can hold.
Capful is usually formal, technical, literary in register.
Capful: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkapfʊl/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkæpˌfʊl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “a capful of wind (archaic: a light gust or puff of wind)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of the CAP of a bottle being FULl. It's simply the amount that fills the cap.
Conceptual Metaphor
CONTAINER FOR QUANTITY (The cap is a container metaphorically holding an amount).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'capful' LEAST likely to be used?