'cupboard' originates from Middle English, specifically the words 'cup' and 'board', where 'cup' meant 'a small container for drinking' and 'board' meant 'a flat piece of wood'.

'cupboard' changed from the Middle English word 'cupbord' and eventually became the modern English word 'cupboard'.

Initially, it meant 'a board to place cups on', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'a storage cabinet'.