Words / A1

SORS-uh/ˈsɔːsə/

A saucer is a small plate under a cup, for tea or coffee. A plate is larger and for food; a cup and saucer is the usual pair. Countable: a saucer, two saucers; a cup on a saucer. Sauce is the food liquid — similar spelling, different word.

Meaning

A small plate that a cup stands on.

Examples

• “The cup is on the saucer.”
• “The teaspoon is on the saucer.”
• “This cup has no saucer.”

Good to know

a cup and saucer. Contrast: plate (food). Mix-up: sauce (food liquid).

New