Cabinet vs. Cupboard: What's the Difference?
Edited by Aimie Carlson || By Janet White || Updated on October 3, 2023
A "Cabinet" is a storage unit, often with shelves and doors, while a "Cupboard" is typically a piece of furniture for storing food, dishes, or clothing.
Key Differences
"Cabinet" and "Cupboard" are both terms denoting storage furniture, but they serve different purposes and contexts. A "Cabinet" is a broad term that encompasses various storage units, often equipped with shelves, doors, and sometimes drawers. It can be standalone or wall-mounted, and it is designed to store a wide array of items. From the bathroom to the office, a Cabinet provides an organized space for essentials.
On the contrary, the term "Cupboard" is frequently associated with the kitchen or dining area. Historically, Cupboards were constructed to store food and dishes. Over time, this has evolved, and many now use the term to describe any closed storage space, whether in the bedroom or living area. However, its strong association with kitchen storage remains intact.
"Cabinet," while versatile, can also refer to a body of advisors or officials, especially in a government context. This extends its meaning beyond furniture. In contrast, "Cupboard" remains strictly tied to the realm of home storage. The nuances between these terms, while subtle, make each distinct in usage.
In essence, while both "Cabinet" and "Cupboard" signify storage solutions, their contexts differ. A Cabinet is a general term for various storage units, whereas a Cupboard is more specific, often tied to kitchen storage.
Comparison Chart
Primary Use
Versatile storage in various rooms
Primarily for food, dishes, or clothing storage
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Location
Can be in any room
Often in kitchens or dining areas
Construction
Shelves, doors, sometimes drawers
Typically has shelves and doors
Associated Contexts
Can refer to a group of advisors in government
Strictly a piece of furniture for storage
General Perception
Broad term for storage units
More specific, often tied to kitchen storage
Cabinet and Cupboard Definitions
Cabinet
A piece of storage furniture with doors and shelves.
She placed her documents in the office Cabinet.
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Cupboard
An open-shelved sideboard for displaying dishware.
The antique Cupboard held the family's heirloom china.
Cabinet
A group of advisors or officials, especially in government.
The president convened a meeting with his Cabinet.
Cupboard
A storage space built into the wall.
She kept her spices in a Cupboard next to the stove.
Cabinet
A box-like storage compartment without doors.
The dentist kept his tools in a wall-mounted Cabinet.
Cupboard
A cabinet or closet, typically with doors and shelves, for storing food, dishes, or clothes.
She retrieved a plate from the kitchen Cupboard.
Cabinet
An upright, cupboardlike repository with shelves, drawers, or compartments for the safekeeping or display of objects.
Cupboard
A small space or compartment in a piece of furniture for storage.
He placed his keys in the hallway Cupboard.
Cabinet
(Computers) The box that houses the main components of a computer, such as the central processing unit, disk drives, and expansion slots.
Cupboard
A locker or wardrobe for storing or drying items.
He hung his coat in the wooden Cupboard by the door.
Cabinet
Often Cabinet A body of persons appointed by a head of state or a prime minister to head the executive departments of the government and to act as official advisers.
Cupboard
A closet or cabinet, usually with shelves for storing food, crockery, and utensils.
Cabinet
(Archaic) A small or private room set aside for a specific activity.
Cupboard
(obsolete) A board or table used to openly hold and display silver plate and other dishware; a sideboard; a buffet. 18
Cabinet
Rhode Island & Southeastern Massachusetts See milkshake.
Cupboard
(obsolete) Things displayed on a sideboard; dishware, particularly valuable plate. 19
Cabinet
Suitable for storage or display in a cabinet, as because of size or decorative quality.
Cupboard
A cabinet, closet, or other piece of furniture with shelves intended for storing cookware, dishware, or food; similar cabinets or closets used for storing other items.
Put the cups back into the cupboard.
Cabinet
Of, relating to, or being a member of a governmental cabinet
Cabinet matters.
A cabinet minister.
Cupboard
(obsolete) Things stored in a cupboard; particularly food.
Cabinet
Used in the making of cabinets
Teak and other heavy cabinet wood.
Cupboard
To collect, as into a cupboard; to hoard.
Cabinet
A storage closet either separate from, or built into, a wall.
Cupboard
A board or shelf for cups and dishes.
Cabinet
A cupboard.
Cupboard
A small closet in a room, with shelves to receive cups, dishes, food, etc.; hence, any small closet.
Cabinet
The upright assembly that houses a coin-operated arcade game, a cab.
Cupboard
To collect, as into a cupboard; to hoard.
Cabinet
(historical) A size of photograph, specifically one measuring 3⅞" by 5½".
Cupboard
A small room (or recess) or cabinet used for storage space
Cabinet
A group of advisors to a government or business entity.
Cabinet
In parliamentary and some other systems of government, the group of ministers responsible for creating government policy and for overseeing the departments comprising the executive branch.
Cabinet
(Kentucky) A cabinet-level agency in the executive branch; that is, an agency headed by a member of the governor's cabinet.
Cabinet
(archaic) A small chamber or private room.
Cabinet
(often capitalized) A collection of art or ethnographic objects.
Cabinet
Milkshake.
Cabinet
(obsolete) A hut; a cottage; a small house.
Cabinet
An enclosure for mechanical or electrical equipment.
Cabinet
A hut; a cottage; a small house.
Hearken a while from thy green cabinet,The rural song of careful Colinet.
Cabinet
A small room, or retired apartment; a closet.
Cabinet
A private room in which consultations are held.
Philip passed some hours every day in his father's cabinet.
Cabinet
The advisory council of the chief executive officer of a nation; a cabinet council.
Cabinet
A set of drawers or a cupboard intended to contain articles of value. Hence:
Cabinet
Any building or room set apart for the safe keeping and exhibition of works of art, etc.; also, the collection itself.
Cabinet
Suitable for a cabinet; small.
He [Varnhagen von Ense] is a walking cabinet edition of Goethe.
Cabinet
To inclose
Cabinet
A cupboard-like repository or piece of furniture with doors and shelves and drawers; for storage or display
Cabinet
Persons appointed by a head of state to head executive departments of government and act as official advisers
Cabinet
A storage compartment for clothes and valuables; usually it has a lock
Cabinet
Housing for electronic instruments, as radio or television
Cabinet
A case or cupboard containing a radio, television, or other electronic equipment.
The vintage radio was housed in a wooden Cabinet.
Cabinet
A private room for specific purposes.
The duke had a Cabinet of curiosities filled with rare items.
FAQs
Is a Cupboard always a standalone piece?
No, a Cupboard can be built into a wall or be standalone.
Where can I find a medicine Cabinet?
A medicine Cabinet is typically found in bathrooms.
What's the main use of a Cabinet?
A Cabinet is a versatile piece of furniture used for storing various items.
Is a Cupboard primarily found in kitchens?
Yes, Cupboards are often associated with kitchen storage but can be in other rooms.
Can "Cabinet" refer to a group of officials?
Yes, in government contexts, a "Cabinet" refers to a body of advisors.
Are Cabinets always made of wood?
No, Cabinets can be made of various materials, including metal and plastic.
Can a Cabinet be wall-mounted?
Yes, many Cabinets, especially in bathrooms, are wall-mounted.
Can a Cupboard be used for clothing?
Yes, a Cupboard can be used for storing clothing, food, or dishes.
Is "kitchen cabinet" synonymous with Cupboard?
While similar, a "kitchen cabinet" might be more extensive than a traditional Cupboard.
Is there a difference in construction between a Cabinet and Cupboard?
While both have shelves and doors, Cabinets can have drawers, while Cupboards typically don't.
Can a Cupboard serve as a pantry?
Yes, many people use larger Cupboards as pantries for food storage.
What items are typically stored in a Cabinet?
Cabinets can store a range of items, from dishes and food to documents and tools.
Do all Cabinets have locks?
No, not all Cabinets have locks, but some do for added security.
Is "Cupboard" an old-fashioned term?
While "Cupboard" has historical roots, it's still widely used to describe kitchen storage.
Can Cabinets be decorative?
Absolutely, many Cabinets are designed with decorative elements for aesthetic appeal.
Do Cupboards always have doors?
Typically, yes, Cupboards have doors to conceal their contents.
How large is a typical Cabinet?
The size of a Cabinet varies based on its purpose and location.
Can a Cupboard be freestanding in the middle of a room?
While possible, Cupboards are typically placed against walls or built into them.
What's the origin of the word "Cupboard"?
"Cupboard" comes from Middle English, originally denoting a board for displaying cups.
In what other contexts might you hear "Cabinet"?
Beyond furniture, "Cabinet" can refer to a government body or even a private room.
About Author
Written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
Edited by
Aimie CarlsonAimie Carlson, holding a master's degree in English literature, is a fervent English language enthusiast. She lends her writing talents to Difference Wiki, a prominent website that specializes in comparisons, offering readers insightful analyses that both captivate and inform.
