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

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

The camera is actually a GoPro, attached to Kornacki’s desk via a suction cup). —Alex Weprin, The Hollywood Reporter, 1 Nov. 2024

With special elements like wheels, suction cups, and prism pieces, kids can create anything from simple 2D shapes to intricate 3D designs. —Toby Rose, Parents, 24 Oct. 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)