goblet: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, Literary
Quick answer
What does “goblet” mean?
A drinking vessel, typically made of glass or metal, with a stem and a base but without handles.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A drinking vessel, typically made of glass or metal, with a stem and a base but without handles.
A trophy or prize, especially one in the shape of such a vessel; also used in biology/cytology to refer to a goblet-shaped cell (e.g., goblet cell).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No major semantic difference. Slightly more prevalent in UK historical/literary contexts.
Connotations
Similar in both varieties: formal, old-fashioned, ceremonial.
Frequency
Low frequency in everyday speech in both regions; slightly higher in UK due to historical preservation in contexts like 'brandy goblet'.
Grammar
How to Use “goblet” in a Sentence
N of N (goblet of wine/water)ADJ + N (crystal goblet)V + N (raise/lift/fill the goblet)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “goblet” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The glassblower will goblet the molten glass into a traditional form.
American English
- Not used as a verb.
adverb
British English
- Not used as an adverb.
American English
- Not used as an adverb.
adjective
British English
- The goblet-shaped cell is clearly visible under the microscope.
- A goblet-style trophy.
American English
- Identical to British; 'goblet-shaped' is standard.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except possibly in luxury goods (crystalware) or trophy manufacturing.
Academic
Used in historical, archaeological, or literary studies describing artefacts or texts.
Everyday
Very rare. Might be used for decorative items or in themed restaurants.
Technical
In biology: 'goblet cell' (a mucus-secreting cell). In metalworking/glassblowing: a type of form.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “goblet”
- Using 'goblet' for any drinking glass. Confusing it with 'mug' or 'cup'. Using plural 'goblets' as uncountable.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
A goblet typically has a stem and a base, is often made of fine material like crystal, and is used for wine or ceremony. A cup is a more general term, usually without a stem, and can be for any hot or cold drink.
No. It belongs to a formal, literary, or historical register. In everyday life, people say 'glass' or 'wine glass'.
It is a type of cell found in epithelial tissue (e.g., in the intestines or respiratory tract) that secretes mucus. It is named for its shape, which resembles a goblet or cup.
Extremely rarely. In specialised contexts like glassblowing, it might refer to the act of forming a goblet, but this is not standard usage.
A drinking vessel, typically made of glass or metal, with a stem and a base but without handles.
Goblet is usually formal, literary in register.
Goblet: in British English it is pronounced /ˈɡɒblɪt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈɡɑːblɪt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None in common use directly with 'goblet'. Potential archaic/literary: 'drain the goblet'.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'GOB' (old slang for mouth) + 'LET' (allows). A goblet lets you drink from its bowl.
Conceptual Metaphor
A goblet is a vessel for honour/celebration (e.g., 'raise the goblet to success').
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'goblet' most appropriately used?