Bouillon cup – Definition & Meaning

A bouillon cup is a small bowl-like container used for serving hot soup, broth or consommé. It is typically made of porcelain, ceramic, or glass and has a handle on one side.

Definitions

A bouillon cup is a small, shallow, and handle-less cup used for serving bouillon or other hot liquids. It is typically made of porcelain, ceramic, or glass and can hold between 6 to 8 ounces of liquid.

Origin

The term “bouillon” comes from the French word “bouillir,” which means “to boil.” The bouillon cup originated in France in the 18th century as a way to serve bouillon, a clear soup made from meat, vegetables, and herbs. It soon became popular in other countries and is now a common item in restaurants and households around the world.

Meaning in different dictionaries

According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, a bouillon cup is “a small cup without handles used for serving bouillon.” The Oxford English Dictionary defines it as “a small cup or bowl used for serving broth or soup.”

Associations

The bouillon cup is often associated with fine dining and formal occasions. It is commonly used in restaurants, hotels, and other upscale establishments. It is also associated with traditional French cuisine and is often used to serve classic dishes like French onion soup.

Synonyms

Synonyms for bouillon cup include soup cup, broth cup, consommé cup, and small bowl.

Antonyms

Antonyms for bouillon cup include large bowl, plate, and saucer.

The same root words

The term “bouillon” is derived from the French word “bouillir,” which means “to boil.” Other words with the same root include bouillabaisse (a traditional French fish soup), bouillotte (a card game played with a pot of money), and bouillon cube (a small cube of dehydrated broth used to flavor soups and stews).

Example Sentences

1. The waiter brought us our bouillon cups filled with piping hot soup.
2. The bouillon cup matched the rest of the fine china on the table.
3. The chef prepared a delicious consommé that was served in a delicate bouillon cup.
4. The bouillon cup slipped from my hand and shattered on the floor.
5. The soup was so good that I asked for a second serving in a bouillon cup.