Cupboard

Pronunciation

• RP IPA: /ˈkÊŒb.É™d/
• US IPA: /ˈkÊŒ.bÉšd/
• Rhymes: -ÊŒbÉ™(r)d

Origin

From Middle English cuppebord.

Full definition of cupboard

Noun

1. An enclosed storage space with a door, usually having shelves, used to store crockery, food, etc.Put the cups in the cupboard.
• 1932, w, Friday's Business Chapter 20, Eurydice pointed to the cupboard, and sat down on the low divan with folded hands, and looked at the floor.
• 1997 , w, w:Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone Chapter The Vanishing Glass , Harry was used to spiders, because the cupboard under the stairs was full of them, and that was where he slept.
2. (obsolete) A table or sideboard on which to display or store cups, dishes etc.

Synonyms

• closet US
• press
• wardrobe British

Derived terms

• airing cupboard
• cupboardlike
• cupboard love
• cupboardy
• fume cupboard
• hot cupboard
• skeleton in the cupboard

Verb

1. To collect, as into a cupboard; to hoard.
• 1608, William Shakespeare, , I. i. 98:Still cupboarding the viand, never bearing
  Like labour with the rest,