saucer

noun

sau·​cer ˈsȯ-sər 

1

: a small shallow dish in which a cup is set at table

2

: something resembling a saucer especially in shape

especially : flying saucer

saucerlike

ˈsȯ-sər-ˌlīk 

adjective

Examples of saucer in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Layer some pebbles on a low tray or saucer, fill the tray with water to just below the pebble line, and position your plant with its saucer on top of the pebbles. —Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 Dec. 2025

To water from the bottom of the plant, place the pot in a saucer of water until the top layer of soil feels moist. —Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 1 Dec. 2025

The clever design has the planter nesting seamlessly into the saucer, stylishly catching any water runoff. —Melissa Locker, Time, 17 Nov. 2025

Indoor conditions tend to be dry during the winter, so placing pots on top of saucers with pea gravel that is kept moist on a regular basis increases needed humidity and prevents leaves from desiccating. —Special To The Denver Post, Denver Post, 12 Nov. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, plate containing a condiment, from Anglo-French, from sauce

First Known Use

1693, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing saucer

• flying saucer

Rhymes for saucer

• crosser
• rosser

Kids Definition

saucer

noun

sau·​cer ˈsȯ-sər 

1

: a small round shallow dish in which a cup is set

2

: something like a saucer especially in shape