goblet
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /ɡˈɒblət/
US
- /ˈɡɑblət/
Description
- fancy cup
- drinking vessel
- chalice
Imagine a grand feast in a castle, and you would likely see goblets on the table. A goblet is not just any cup; it is usually a drinking cup with a stem and a wide bowl, often made of glass or metal and used on special occasions. Think of King Arthur and his knights raising goblets at the Round Table. You might drink water from an everyday glass, but wine at a formal dinner could be served in a goblet. The word brings to mind elegance, ceremony, and old traditions.
Historically, goblets were often made of precious metals like gold or silver, which showed wealth and status. Today, they can be made from many materials, but they still suggest formality and style. The word is also sometimes used when something, such as a flower, has a shape like this kind of cup.
A goblet is a stemmed drinking vessel, typically made of glass or metal, often ornate and used for ceremonial or special occasions. While we use "cup" as a general term for something to drink from, a goblet suggests a level of refinement and history. Think less about your everyday coffee mug and more about the chalice held by royalty in classical paintings.
The word "goblet" comes from the Old French gobelet, meaning "a small cup." Originally, goblets were often made of precious metals like gold or silver, reserved for nobility and religious ceremonies. These weren't just functional items; they were symbols of power, wealth, and status.
Today, while you can find goblets made from crystal, glass, pewter, or even plastic, the association with elegance remains strong. They are frequently used for wine tastings, formal dinners, awards ceremonies, or as decorative pieces. You might see a goblet featured prominently in fantasy literature or historical dramas, representing a character's position or being used as part of a significant ritual.
In some contexts, the word is also used for things that have a similar shape, such as a flower that looks like a small cup on a stem. That is a less common extension of the main meaning, which is still the drinking vessel itself. Whether it is holding wine at a feast or appearing in a story about kings and rituals, a goblet remains a symbol of grace, tradition, and special moments.
Examples
- 1
Hospitality
The host poured the wine into a silver goblet.
Meaning
a goblet
a drinking cup with a stem and a wide top
- 2
Wedding table
Crystal goblets were set out for the wedding dinner.
- 3
Royal story
In the story, the king raised his goblet and welcomed the travelers.
Forms and spellings
2 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- gobletnoun
Forms
- gobletspluralnoun