What does glassful mean?
“Glassful” is a count noun meaning the amount that a drinking glass can hold. It can refer either to the liquid itself or, more generally, to the contents of the glass. Because a glass does not represent a fixed standard measure, the expression is informal and context-dependent: one person’s glassful may differ from another’s. In ordinary conversation it is a natural way to ask for or mention a modest quantity of a drink, though more exact units may be preferable in recipes, medicine, or other technical settings. The word belongs to the familiar English pattern of adding -ful to a container to name its capacity, as in cupful, mouthful, and pocketful. It is useful whenever quantity matters but precision does not: “Could I have a glassful of water?” The term is mildly literary in some contexts, but remains clear and natural in everyday speech.
nounThe amount contained in a glass, especially a drinking glass. It may also refer to the liquid itself.
- The amount contained in a drinking glass, or the liquid or other contents of that glass.
"She brought the weary traveler a glassful of cold water."
"He poured a generous glassful of milk."
"The recipe calls for a glassful of cream."
Used when referring to separate quantities or containers.
"The waiter brought two glassfuls of water."
A glassful is a wonderfully democratic measure: it means as much as one glass happens to hold.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of glassful
“Glassful” is an English compound formed from “glass” and the suffix “-ful,” an element that means “full” or denotes a full amount. The word follows a productive English pattern represented by related forms such as “cupful,” “mouthful,” and “pocketful.” Other words sharing the base “glass” include “glassware,” “glasswork,” and “glassy.”
Related word forms
How glassful is actually used
The term is neutral to mildly literary and is especially natural in everyday speech. In recipes, medicine, or other technical contexts, a more exact unit may be preferable.
Easily confused with glassful
A glass is the drinking vessel itself, whereas a glassful is the amount it contains or holds.