Saucer - Definition and Overview

A saucer is a small type of dishware specifically for use with a cup - a larger cup intended for coffee or a smaller teacup for tea. The saucer has a raised center with a depression sized to fit a mating cup. Its purpose is to catch overflow, splashes, and drips from the cup and so protecting both table linen or a user sitting in a free standing chair, who holds both cup and saucer. The saucer also provides a convenient place to place a damp spoon, as might be used to stir the drink in the cup in order to mix sweetners or creamers into tea or coffee.

Although often part of a place setting in a dinner set, teacups with unique styling are often sold with matching saucers, sometimes alone, or as part of a tea set, including a teapot and small desert plates. A set of four is typical for a tea set.