A measuring cup is a kitchen utensil used primarily to measure the volume of liquid or bulk solid cooking ingredients such as flour and sugar, especially for volumes from about 50 mL (approx.
Others are made to a specific capacity and are designed to be filled to the top with dry ingredients.
They usually have scale markings at different heights: the substance being measured is added to the cup until it reaches the wanted level.
Liquid measure cups tend to be microwave safe for heating and clear to more easily judge the meniscus.
Many dry ingredients, such as granulated sugar, are not very compressible, so volume measures are consistent.