suction cup

noun

: a cup-shaped device in which a partial vacuum can be produced when applied to a surface

Examples of suction cup in a Sentence

The device is held to the wall with two suction cups.

Recent Examples on the Web

The five-year warranty and suction cup feet are icing on the cake. —Boutayna Chokrane, WIRED, 3 Dec. 2024

This pillow features soft 4D mesh fabric and non-slip suction cups to ensure a relaxing experience. —Mia Meltzer, Rolling Stone, 6 Dec. 2024

Some items that would work well could be vinyl window clings, banners, or even a strand or two of lights that can be held by using mini suction cups. —Eve Chen, USA TODAY, 11 Nov. 2024

Now the most advanced operations, using technology developed for the oil-and-gas industry or subsea mining, deploy unmanned vehicles—with delicate instruments, suction cups, and laser-scanning capabilities—in waters fifteen times as deep. —Sam Knight, The New Yorker, 4 Nov. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1942, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

suction cup

noun

: a cup of glass or of a flexible material (as rubber) in which a partial vacuum is produced when applied to a surface

Medical Definition

suction cup

noun

: a cup of glass or of a flexible material (as rubber) in which a partial vacuum is produced when applied to a surface and which is used variously (as to bring blood to the surface of the skin)