cup-holder: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
MediumNeutral, informal
Quick answer
What does “cup-holder” mean?
A device designed to hold a cup, preventing it from tipping over, commonly found in vehicles, furniture, or other fixed structures.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A device designed to hold a cup, preventing it from tipping over, commonly found in vehicles, furniture, or other fixed structures.
A designated receptacle or recess in machinery, furniture, or fixtures meant to securely support a beverage container. Also used metaphorically in computing to describe a component that holds or positions a device like a CPU or GPU.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Spelling: UK English tends to use 'cup holder' (two words) more often, though 'cup-holder' is common in manufacturing contexts. US English heavily favours the compound 'cupholder'. The term 'drinks holder' is a more formal, generic alternative in UK English.
Connotations
In both dialects, it is a utilitarian, everyday term. In UK English, it can sometimes be seen as a modern, American-influenced feature in car design.
Frequency
More frequent in US English due to its long-standing standard inclusion in American automobiles. Usage in UK English has increased significantly since the 1990s.
Grammar
How to Use “cup-holder” in a Sentence
The [NOUN: centre console] has a cup-holderThere is a cup-holder for [NOUN: each passenger]This model features [QUANTIFIER: two] cup-holdersVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “cup-holder” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- n/a
American English
- n/a
adverb
British English
- n/a
American English
- n/a
adjective
British English
- The cup-holder space was too small for my flask.
- We need a cup-holder solution for the meeting room.
American English
- The cupholder design is patented.
- It's a cupholder insert you can buy online.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in automotive, furniture, or consumer product design and marketing specifications (e.g., 'The new model includes heated seats and four cup-holders').
Academic
Rare, except in ergonomics, design, or engineering studies focusing on human-product interaction.
Everyday
Very common in contexts discussing cars, cinemas, offices, or children's products (e.g., 'Can you put my coffee in your cup-holder?').
Technical
Used in automotive part catalogues, patent filings, and product assembly instructions.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “cup-holder”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “cup-holder”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “cup-holder”
- Using 'cup-holder' as a verb (e.g., 'Can you cup-holder this?'). Confusing it with 'coaster' (which sits under a cup on a table).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
All three forms are used. 'Cup-holder' and 'cupholder' are common as single lexical items, especially in product names. 'Cup holder' (two words) is also perfectly correct. Consistency within a document is key.
No. While most associated with automobiles, cup-holders are found in many places: on bicycles, in pushchairs, on office chairs, in cinemas, and on lawnmowers or exercise equipment.
A cup-holder is typically designed for standard-sized cups, mugs, or cans with a wide, stable base. A bottle holder is often taller and narrower, designed to grip the sides of a water bottle or similar container to prevent it from wobbling.
Yes, though this is niche. In computing slang, a 'cup holder' might humorously refer to the CD/DVD tray. More technically, in component design, it can metaphorically describe a bracket or socket that holds another part in place.
A device designed to hold a cup, preventing it from tipping over, commonly found in vehicles, furniture, or other fixed structures.
Cup-holder is usually neutral, informal in register.
Cup-holder: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkʌp ˌhəʊl.dər/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkʌp ˌhoʊl.dɚ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “n/a”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a cup needing a HOLD. A CUP-HOLDER is its ER (person/thing that does the action), the thing that HOLDs your CUP.
Conceptual Metaphor
SECURITY IS STABILITY (A cup-holder provides security for your drink by ensuring stability).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is a key function of a cup-holder?