Meaning & use
cut glass
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Meanings
noununcountable
Glass that has patterns cut into its surface, or objects made from this glass.
Grammar: Uncountable when talking about the material; countable when referring to individual pieces (e.g., a cut glass).
Patterns
- a piece of cut glass
- made of cut glass
- cut-glass bowl
She collects antique cut glass.
The table was decorated with a beautiful cut-glass vase.
Cut glass is often used for expensive glasses and bowls.
adjectivebefore a nounBritish
(Of a voice or accent) very clear and slightly artificial, especially in British English.
Grammar: Used before a noun to describe a way of speaking that sounds upper-class and precise.
Patterns
- a cut-glass accent
- a cut-glass voice
She spoke with a cut-glass accent that sounded very posh.
His cut-glass voice made him sound like a radio announcer.
Common combinations
- cut-glass bowl
- The cut-glass bowl sparkled on the shelf.
- cut-glass vase
- He gave her a cut-glass vase for their anniversary.
- cut-glass accent
- Her cut-glass accent made her stand out at the party.
- antique cut glass
- The museum has a collection of antique cut glass.
Synonyms and how they differ
- crystal
- Crystal is a type of high-quality glass, often with lead, that is cut or molded; cut glass is a broader term for any glass with cut patterns.
- engraved glass
- Engraved glass has designs scratched or etched into it, while cut glass has patterns made by cutting and polishing the surface.
Practice
Which sentence uses 'cut glass' correctly?
Choose one answer.
The correct answer uses 'cut glass' as a compound noun/adjective meaning decorative glass. The other options incorrectly use 'cut' as a verb with 'glass' as its object, which is not the meaning of the phrase.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “cut glass”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.