dice cup: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1specialised, informal
Quick answer
What does “dice cup” mean?
A small container, often cylindrical with a weighted bottom, used to shake and randomise dice before casting them onto a surface for games of chance or board games.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A small container, often cylindrical with a weighted bottom, used to shake and randomise dice before casting them onto a surface for games of chance or board games.
Any cup-shaped or box-like object used to shake dice; by extension, can refer metaphorically to a situation or object that introduces randomness or chance into a process.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Terminology is identical, though 'dice cup' might be more readily recognised as 'dice shaker' or 'dice tower' in specific gaming subcultures in both regions.
Connotations
Strong association with traditional board games, casinos, or gambling. In contemporary usage, it strongly connotes hobbyist board gaming and tabletop role-playing games (e.g., Dungeons & Dragons).
Frequency
Low frequency in general English. Higher frequency in specific domains (gaming, hobbyist communities). No significant difference in frequency between UK and US English.
Grammar
How to Use “dice cup” in a Sentence
to shake the dice in a dice cupto roll (the dice) from a dice cupVocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Rare, may appear in historical or sociological studies of games.
Everyday
Used when discussing or playing board games, or in metaphors about chance.
Technical
Used in the context of game design, probability, and gambling equipment standards.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “dice cup”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “dice cup”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “dice cup”
- Using 'dices cup' (incorrect pluralisation of 'dice').
- Confusing 'dice cup' with 'mug' or 'trophy'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is a compound noun, written as two separate words: 'dice cup'.
No, 'dice cup' is solely a noun. The associated action is 'to shake (a dice cup)' or 'to roll (from a dice cup)'.
A dice cup is shaken and then tipped to release dice. A dice tower is a static structure with internal baffles; dice are dropped in the top and tumble out the bottom.
It is not strictly necessary—dice can be rolled from the hand—but it ensures fairness, prevents dice from falling off the table, and is traditional in many games.
A small container, often cylindrical with a weighted bottom, used to shake and randomise dice before casting them onto a surface for games of chance or board games.
Dice cup is usually specialised, informal in register.
Dice cup: in British English it is pronounced /ˈdaɪs ˌkʌp/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈdaɪs ˌkʌp/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “The dice cup of fate (poetic/metaphorical)”
- “What will the dice cup bring?”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'ice in a cup', but it's DICE in a CUP. You shake it up to get a random result.
Conceptual Metaphor
CONTAINER OF RANDOMNESS; LIFE IS A GAME OF CHANCE (when used metaphorically).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary function of a dice cup?