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cupboard

/ˈkʌbərd/
/ˈkʌbəd/
IPA guide

Other forms: cupboards

A cupboard is a piece of furniture that's used for storing things. Your kitchen cupboard might actually be full of cups, while the cupboard in your bedroom might hold sweaters and socks.

Some cupboards are built into a wall, like a closet, while others are freestanding cabinets. A cupboard usually has doors that open and shelves inside, for storage. The very earliest cupboards, in the 14th century, were exactly what the word describes: a board or table used for putting cups or dishes on. Over the following two hundred years, cupboard came to mean an enclosed cabinet for the same purpose.

Definitions of cupboard
  1. noun
    a small room (or recess) or cabinet used for storage space
    synonyms: closet
    see moresee less
    types:
    airing cupboard
    a warm cupboard where you put newly washed clothes until they are completely dry
    broom closet
    a small room for storing brooms and other cleaning equipment
    safe
    a ventilated or refrigerated cupboard for securing provisions from pests
    supply closet
    a closet for storing supplies
    meat safe
    a safe for storing meat
    type of:
    storage space
    the area in any structure that provides space for storage
Pronunciation
US
/ˈkʌbərd/
UK
/ˈkʌbəd/
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