A2noun2K

Cupboard

UK /["/ˈkʌbəd/"]/US /["/ˈkʌbərd/"]/

Definition

a piece of furniture with doors and shelves used for storing dishes, food, clothes, etc.

In simple words: A piece of furniture with shelves for storing things, usually in a kitchen or bathroom.

Examples

  • I stored all the dishes in the cupboard after washing them.
  • The pantry is located next to the cupboard in the kitchen.
  • She opened the cupboard to find her favorite mug.
  • He hid the secret notes in the back of the cupboard.
  • The cupboard is full of old books and forgotten treasures.

Usage notes

Commonly used in everyday conversation when referring to a kitchen or storage space. May not be used in very formal contexts where 'storage unit' could be preferred.

Grammar pattern

standalone noun

Memory hint

Think of a 'cup' stored in a 'board' or shelf.

Collocations

  • big
  • deep
  • large
  • close
  • open
  • look in
  • be full of something
  • door
  • space
  • in a/​the cupboard
  • big
  • deep
  • large
  • close
  • open
  • look in
  • be full of something
  • door
  • space
  • in a/​the cupboard

Synonyms

  • cabinet
  • closet
  • shelf
  • wardrobe

Antonyms

  • disorder
  • open space

Common mistakes

  • Confusing 'cupboard' with 'counter' (a flat surface).
  • Using 'cupboard' when referring to cabinets that don't have doors.
  • Mispronouncing it as 'cup-board' instead of 'cu-berd'.