Tumbler vs. Cup: What's the Difference?
Edited by Sumera Saeed || By Sawaira Riaz || Updated on October 2, 2023
A tumbler is a flat-bottomed, usually cylindrical drinking container, often without a handle, while a cup typically has a handle and may have a stemmed base.
Key Differences
Tumbler and cup are both containers primarily used for drinking liquids but they differ in their designs and functionalities. A tumbler is usually recognized as a flat-bottomed container and does not normally have a handle. It can be used for a variety of beverages, cold or hot, and it is typically cylindrical in shape. A cup, conversely, generally comes with a handle and is utilized traditionally for drinking hot liquids like tea or coffee.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 21, 2023
While tumblers can be created from a variety of materials including plastic, glass, and stainless steel, cups are typically made from materials like porcelain, glass, or plastic. Tumblers, especially those made from insulated materials, are often used to keep beverages at the desired temperature for prolonged periods. Cups, being traditionally associated with hot beverages, are usually lighter and can come with a saucer when made from porcelain or glass.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 21, 2023
The design of a tumbler is often more casual and practical, suitable for everyday use and informal settings. Tumblers might come with lids and are particularly handy for on-the-go situations due to their stability and varying sizes. Cups, due to their handles and sometimes more delicate construction, can be associated with more formal and serene settings, such as a sit-down tea or coffee service.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 21, 2023
In everyday language, the terms tumbler and cup are sometimes used interchangeably, especially when it comes to disposables. However, it is the presence of a handle and sometimes a stemmed base that primarily distinguishes a cup from a tumbler. Whether for casual or formal use, both tumblers and cups serve essential roles in serving beverages to people around the world.
Janet White
Sep 21, 2023
Comparison Chart
Design
Flat-bottomed, usually without a handle.
Typically has a handle, may have a stemmed base.
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Sep 21, 2023
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Material
Can be made of plastic, glass, or stainless steel.
Often made of porcelain, glass, or plastic.
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Sep 21, 2023
Use
Suitable for a variety of beverages, practical for on-the-go situations.
Traditionally used for hot beverages like tea or coffee.
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Sep 21, 2023
Setting
More casual and versatile.
Can be more formal, associated with serene settings.
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Sep 21, 2023
Temperature Retention
Often insulated to maintain temperature.
Typically not insulated.
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Sep 21, 2023
Tumbler and Cup Definitions
Tumbler
A tumbler is a drinking container with a flat bottom and no handle.
She filled the tumbler with ice-cold lemonade.
Aimie Carlson
Sep 21, 2023
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Cup
A cup is a small bowl-shaped container for drinking, typically having a handle.
She cradled the tea cup in her hands.
Aimie Carlson
Sep 21, 2023
Tumbler
A tumbler can come with a lid, making it suitable for traveling.
He sipped his coffee from a travel tumbler.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 21, 2023
Cup
A cup is often used for serving hot beverages like tea or coffee.
He poured coffee into the cup.
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Sep 21, 2023
Tumbler
A tumbler is a versatile drinking container used in casual settings.
The child drank water from his plastic tumbler.
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Sep 21, 2023
Cup
A cup is usually made of porcelain, glass, or plastic and can be accompanied by a saucer.
The porcelain cup had a delicate floral design.
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Sep 21, 2023
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Cup
A cup is a formal beverage container usually associated with serene settings.
She set the table with elegant cups and saucers.
Janet White
Sep 21, 2023
Cup
A cup’s distinctive feature is its handle, enabling one to hold hot beverages comfortably.
The cup’s handle was adorned with intricate patterns.
Janet White
Sep 21, 2023
Cup
A small open container, usually with a flat bottom and a handle, used for drinking.
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Apr 28, 2023
Tumbler
A toy made with a weighted rounded base so that it can rock over and then right itself.
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Apr 28, 2023
Cup
Abbr. c. A unit of capacity or volume equal to 16 tablespoons or 8 fluid ounces (237 milliliters). See Table at measurement.
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Apr 28, 2023
Tumbler
One of a breed of domestic pigeon that characteristically tumbles or somersaults in flight.
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Apr 28, 2023
Tumbler
A piece in a gunlock that forces the hammer forward by action of the mainspring.
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Apr 28, 2023
Tumbler
A projecting piece on a revolving or rocking part in a mechanism that transmits motion to the part it engages.
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Apr 28, 2023
Cup
An athletic supporter having a protective reinforcement of rigid plastic or metal.
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Apr 28, 2023
Tumbler
The rocking frame that moves a gear into place in a transmission, as on a lathe.
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Apr 28, 2023
Cup
A sweetened, flavored, usually chilled beverage, especially one made with wine
Claret cup.
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Apr 28, 2023
Tumbler
(archaic) One who tumbles; one who plays tricks by various motions of the body.
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Apr 28, 2023
Tumbler
A movable obstruction in a lock, consisting of a lever, latch, wheel, slide, or the like, which must be adjusted to a particular position by a key or other means before the bolt can be thrown in locking or unlocking.
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Apr 28, 2023
Tumbler
A rotating device for smoothing and polishing rough objects, placed inside it, on relatively small parts.
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Apr 28, 2023
Tumbler
A piece attached to, or forming part of, the hammer of a gunlock, upon which the mainspring acts and in which are the notches for sear point to enter.
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Apr 28, 2023
Tumbler
A drinking glass that has no stem, foot, or handle — so called because such glasses originally had a pointed or convex base and could not be set down without spilling. This compelled the drinker to finish their measure.
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Apr 28, 2023
Tumbler
A variety of the domestic pigeon remarkable for its habit of tumbling, or turning somersaults, during its flight.
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Apr 28, 2023
Cup
To place one's curved hand or hands over or around
Cupped his chin in his hands.
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Apr 28, 2023
Tumbler
A beverage cup, typically made of stainless steel, that is broad at the top and narrow at the bottom commonly used in India.
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Apr 28, 2023
Cup
A concave vessel for drinking from, usually made of opaque material (as opposed to a glass) and with a handle.
Pour the tea into the cup.
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Apr 28, 2023
Tumbler
(obsolete) A dog of a breed that tumbles when pursuing game, formerly used in hunting rabbits.
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Apr 28, 2023
Cup
The contents of said vessel.
I drank two cups of water but still felt thirsty.
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Apr 28, 2023
Cup
(US) A US unit of liquid measure equal to 8 fluid ounces (16 of a US gallon; 236.5882365 mL) or 240 mL.
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Apr 28, 2023
Cup
(Canada) A Canadian unit of measure equal to 8 imperial ounces (20 imperial gallon; 227.3 mL) or 250 mL.
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Apr 28, 2023
Cup
A British unit of measure equal to 2 imperial pint (10 imperial ounces; 284 mL) or 300 mL.
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Apr 28, 2023
Tumbler
(cryptocurrency) A service that mixes potentially identifiable or 'tainted' cryptocurrency funds with others, so as to obscure the audit trail.
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Apr 28, 2023
Cup
A trophy in the shape of an oversized cup.
The World Cup is awarded to the winner of a quadrennial football tournament.
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Apr 28, 2023
Tumbler
One who tumbles; one who plays tricks by various motions of the body; an acrobat.
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Apr 28, 2023
Cup
A contest for which a cup is awarded.
The World Cup is the world's most widely watched sporting event.
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Apr 28, 2023
Tumbler
A movable obstruction in a lock, consisting of a lever, latch, wheel, slide, or the like, which must be adjusted to a particular position by a key or other means before the bolt can be thrown in locking or unlocking.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 28, 2023
Cup
(association football) The main knockout tournament in a country, organised alongside the league.
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Apr 28, 2023
Tumbler
A piece attached to, or forming part of, the hammer of a gunlock, upon which the mainspring acts and in which are the notches for the sear point to enter.
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Apr 28, 2023
Cup
(golf) A cup-shaped object placed in the target hole.
The ball just misses the cup.
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Apr 28, 2023
Tumbler
A drinking glass, without a foot or stem; - so called because originally it had a pointed or convex base, and could not be set down with any liquor in it, thus compelling the drinker to finish his measure.
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Apr 28, 2023
Cup
(in combination) Any of various sweetened alcoholic drinks.
Cider cup
Gin cup
Claret cup
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Apr 28, 2023
Tumbler
A variety of the domestic pigeon remarkable for its habit of tumbling, or turning somersaults, during its flight.
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Apr 28, 2023
Cup
A rigid concave protective covering for the male genitalia.
Players of contact sports are advised to wear a cup.
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Apr 28, 2023
Tumbler
A breed of dogs that tumble when pursuing game. They were formerly used in hunting rabbits.
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Apr 28, 2023
Cup
One of the two parts of a brassiere which each cover a breast.
The cups are made of a particularly uncomfortable material.
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Apr 28, 2023
Tumbler
A glass with a flat bottom but no handle or stem; originally had a round bottom
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Apr 28, 2023
Cup
(tarot) A suit of the minor arcana in tarot, or one of the cards from the suit.
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Apr 28, 2023
Tumbler
A movable obstruction in a lock that must be adjusted to a given position (as by a key) before the bolt can be thrown
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Apr 28, 2023
Cup
(ultimate frisbee) A defensive style characterized by a three player near defense cupping the thrower; or those three players.
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Apr 28, 2023
Cup
A flexible concave membrane used to temporarily attach a handle or hook to a flat surface by means of suction.
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Apr 28, 2023
Tumbler
A tumbler can be a cylindrical container often made from glass or plastic.
He dropped the tumbler, and it shattered into pieces.
Aimie Carlson
Sep 21, 2023
Tumbler
A tumbler is often used for serving cold beverages.
She ordered a whiskey tumbler at the bar.
Aimie Carlson
Sep 21, 2023
Cup
A cupping glass or other vessel or instrument used to produce the vacuum in cupping.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 28, 2023
Cup
(figurative) That which is to be received or indured; that which is allotted to one; a portion of blessings and afflictions.
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Apr 28, 2023
Cup
(transitive) To form into the shape of a cup, particularly of the hands.
Cup your hands and I'll pour some rice into them.
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Apr 28, 2023
Cup
(transitive) To hold something in cupped hands.
He cupped the ball carefully in his hands.
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Apr 28, 2023
Cup
(transitive) To pour (a liquid, drink, etc.) into a cup.
We are cupping some new brands of coffee today.
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Apr 28, 2023
Cup
A small vessel, used commonly to drink from; as, a tin cup, a silver cup, a wine cup; especially, in modern times, the pottery or porcelain vessel, commonly with a handle, used with a saucer in drinking tea, coffee, and the like.
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Apr 28, 2023
Cup
Repeated potations; social or excessive indulgence in intoxicating drinks; revelry.
Thence from cups to civil broils.
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Apr 28, 2023
Cup
That which is to be received or indured; that which is allotted to one; a portion.
O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me.
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Apr 28, 2023
Cup
Anything shaped like a cup; as, the cup of an acorn, or of a flower.
The cowslip's golden cup no more I see.
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Apr 28, 2023
Cup
A cupping glass or other vessel or instrument used to produce the vacuum in cupping.
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Apr 28, 2023
Cup
To apply a cupping apparatus to; to subject to the operation of cupping. See Cupping.
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Apr 28, 2023
Cup
The quantity a cup will hold;
He drank a cup of coffee
He borrowed a cup of sugar
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Apr 28, 2023
Cup
A small open container usually used for drinking; usually has a handle;
He put the cup back in the saucer
The handle of the cup was missing
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Apr 28, 2023
Cup
A large metal vessel with two handles that is awarded as a trophy to the winner of a competition;
The school kept the cups is a special glass case
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Apr 28, 2023
Cup
Any cup-shaped concavity;
Bees filled the waxen cups with honey
He wore a jock strap with a metal cup
The cup of her bra
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Apr 28, 2023
Cup
The hole (or metal container in the hole) on a golf green;
He swore as the ball rimmed the cup and rolled away
Put the flag back in the cup
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Apr 28, 2023
FAQs
Can tumblers have lids?
Yes, many tumblers come with lids, especially those designed for travel.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 21, 2023
Are tumblers usually cylindrical?
Yes, tumblers are typically cylindrical in shape.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 21, 2023
Is a cup typically heavier than a tumbler?
It depends on the material, but cups can be lighter, especially if made from delicate materials like porcelain.
Sara Rehman
Sep 21, 2023
Can cups come with saucers?
Yes, cups, especially those used for tea or coffee, often come with saucers.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 21, 2023
Is a tumbler more casual than a cup?
Typically, yes, tumblers are often used in more casual and versatile settings.
Aimie Carlson
Sep 21, 2023
Do tumblers maintain the temperature of beverages?
Insulated tumblers can maintain the temperature of beverages for extended periods.
Janet White
Sep 21, 2023
Are cups and tumblers made from similar materials?
Yes, both can be made from materials like plastic, glass, or porcelain.
Sara Rehman
Sep 21, 2023
Is it correct to use the terms cup and tumbler interchangeably?
While it happens in everyday language, especially with disposables, they have distinctive features, so it’s more accurate to use them specifically.
Harlon Moss
Sep 21, 2023
Can you travel with a tumbler?
Yes, tumblers, especially those with lids, are practical for on-the-go situations.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 21, 2023
Can a cup be made of plastic?
Yes, cups can be made of plastic, especially disposable ones.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 21, 2023
Can you use a tumbler for alcoholic beverages?
Yes, tumblers are commonly used for serving a variety of alcoholic beverages.
Janet White
Sep 21, 2023
Are cups suitable for formal occasions?
Yes, cups can be suitable for more formal and serene settings.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 21, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sawaira RiazSawaira is a dedicated content editor at difference.wiki, where she meticulously refines articles to ensure clarity and accuracy. With a keen eye for detail, she upholds the site's commitment to delivering insightful and precise content.
Edited by
Sumera SaeedSumera is an experienced content writer and editor with a niche in comparative analysis. At Diffeence Wiki, she crafts clear and unbiased comparisons to guide readers in making informed decisions. With a dedication to thorough research and quality, Sumera's work stands out in the digital realm. Off the clock, she enjoys reading and exploring diverse cultures.
