communion cup: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, Religious
Quick answer
What does “communion cup” mean?
A small cup, often made of metal or ceramic, used in Christian religious services to hold the wine (or grape juice) that is consumed as part of the Eucharist or Holy Communion.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A small cup, often made of metal or ceramic, used in Christian religious services to hold the wine (or grape juice) that is consumed as part of the Eucharist or Holy Communion.
The term can also refer to the specific liturgical vessel itself, symbolizing the cup used by Jesus at the Last Supper. In a broader, metaphorical sense, it can represent the act of participating in communion or the shared experience of a community.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical difference. Both use 'communion cup'. The term 'chalice' is more common in formal Anglican/Catholic contexts in the UK, while 'communion cup' might be favoured in more Protestant or non-denominational settings in both regions.
Connotations
In the UK, associated with established church traditions. In the US, may have broader evangelical or non-denominational connotations as well.
Frequency
Low frequency in general language, but standard within religious communities in both regions.
Grammar
How to Use “communion cup” in a Sentence
[Verb] the communion cup: (pass, hold, drink from, fill, bless, consecrate, clean)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “communion cup” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The vicar will communion-cup the wine before the service. (Extremely rare/archaic, not standard)
American English
- (No standard verb form)
adverb
British English
- (No standard adverb form)
American English
- (No standard adverb form)
adjective
British English
- The communion-cup ritual is central. (Hyphenated compound adjective)
American English
- They followed the communion cup procedure. (Noun used attributively)
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not applicable.
Academic
Used in theological, historical, or anthropological studies discussing Christian liturgy and material culture.
Everyday
Rare outside of church-going contexts. Might be used when describing a church service.
Technical
Specific term in liturgics (the study of liturgical forms) and ecclesiastical supply catalogues.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “communion cup”
- Incorrect: 'communion's cup' (apostrophe not needed). Incorrect: using 'glass' exclusively (many are metal).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Not exactly. A 'chalice' is a type of communion cup, but it usually refers to a larger, more ornate, and often shared cup. 'Communion cup' can refer to smaller, individual cups used in some Protestant traditions.
It is highly specific to Christian liturgy. Other religions have ritual vessels (e.g., Kiddush cup in Judaism), but they are not called 'communion cups'.
They are commonly made of silver, pewter, glass, or ceramic. The material often depends on the denomination's tradition and resources.
No, it is a low-frequency, specialised term. Learners only need to know it if they are engaging with religious texts or contexts.
A small cup, often made of metal or ceramic, used in Christian religious services to hold the wine (or grape juice) that is consumed as part of the Eucharist or Holy Communion.
Communion cup is usually formal, religious in register.
Communion cup: in British English it is pronounced /kəˈmjuːnɪən kʌp/, and in American English it is pronounced /kəˈmjuːnɪən kʌp/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[Metaphorical] 'share the same communion cup' - to be in deep spiritual or ideological agreement.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of COMMUNity unION - a cup that unites a community in a shared ritual.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE COMMUNITY IS A BODY SHARING ONE CUP. / SPIRITUAL FELLOWSHIP IS DRINKING FROM A COMMON SOURCE.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the term 'communion cup' most precisely used?