cupholder: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B1Neutral
Quick answer
What does “cupholder” mean?
A device, recess, or container designed to hold a cup or drink container securely, typically in a vehicle, cinema seat, or piece of furniture.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A device, recess, or container designed to hold a cup or drink container securely, typically in a vehicle, cinema seat, or piece of furniture.
Any designated slot, clamp, or stand meant to support a beverage container to prevent spills. Informally, a person who holds a cup for another.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The word is identical in spelling and core meaning. UK English may occasionally use hyphen ('cup-holder'), but the closed form is standard in both varieties. The concept is universally associated with cars, cinemas, and modern furniture.
Connotations
Neutral functional term. In both varieties, it connotes convenience, modern design, and spill prevention. No significant cultural or connotative differences.
Frequency
Slightly higher frequency in American English due to a greater cultural emphasis on car culture and 'to-go' beverages, but the term is common in both.
Grammar
How to Use “cupholder” in a Sentence
[Verb] the cupholder (e.g., use, clean, break)[Adjective] cupholder (e.g., front, rear, broken, useful)cupholder [Preposition] the [Noun] (e.g., cupholder in the armrest)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “cupholder” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The new stadium seats are designed to cupholder a pint glass and a small bottle.
American English
- This attachment cupholders your phone and your drink on the treadmill.
adverb
British English
- [No standard adverbial usage]
American English
- [No standard adverbial usage]
adjective
British English
- The cupholder attachment is sold separately.
- We need a cupholder solution for the minibus.
American English
- Check the cupholder compartment for loose change.
- It's a great car, but the cupholder space is limited.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in automotive, furniture, or product design sectors discussing features.
Academic
Very rare. Would only appear in technical design or ergonomics papers.
Everyday
Common in contexts describing car interiors, cinema seats, stadiums, children's pushchairs, and office furniture.
Technical
Used in automotive, industrial, and product design specifications.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “cupholder”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “cupholder”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “cupholder”
- Misspelling as 'cupholdr' or 'cup holder' (though the latter as two words is sometimes acceptable).
- Using 'cupholder' to refer to a person (e.g., 'He was my cupholder at the game') is non-standard and jocular.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
The closed compound 'cupholder' is now the most standard form in published English, though 'cup holder' (two words) is still seen and generally understood.
Only in very informal, jocular contexts (e.g., 'Can you be my cupholder while I tie my shoes?'). In all formal and standard usage, it refers to an object.
Its primary function is to secure a cup, bottle, or can to prevent spills, especially in moving vehicles or crowded spaces, thereby providing convenience and safety.
Yes, as a dedicated automotive and consumer feature, they became widespread in the late 20th century, correlating with the rise of drive-through culture and portable takeaway beverages.
A device, recess, or container designed to hold a cup or drink container securely, typically in a vehicle, cinema seat, or piece of furniture.
Cupholder is usually neutral in register.
Cupholder: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkʌpˌhəʊl.dər/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkʌpˌhoʊl.dɚ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms specific to 'cupholder']”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a CUP that needs to be HELD securely – a CUP-HOLDER does exactly that.
Conceptual Metaphor
CONTAINMENT IS SECURITY; A FUNCTIONAL SPACE IS A HOLDER.
Practice
Quiz
In which of these contexts are you LEAST likely to encounter the word 'cupholder'?