saucepan

American  

[saws-pan] / ˈsɔsˌpæn /

noun

1. a metal container of moderate depth, usually having a long handle and sometimes a cover, for stewing, boiling, etc.

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saucepan British  

/ ˈsɔːspən /

noun

1. a metal or enamel pan with a long handle and often a lid, used for cooking food

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Etymology

Origin of saucepan

First recorded in 1680–90; sauce + pan ¹

Compare meaning

How does saucepan compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• saucepan vs. frying pan

Explanation

A saucepan is a deep stovetop pan with a long handle and, usually, a lid. You might use a saucepan to cook sauce, or for the macaroni from your box of macaroni and cheese. Saucepans are made out of various materials, from stainless steel and aluminum to copper and enamel-coated metal. If you have a kitchen, it's pretty likely you have a saucepan. They are deep enough to boil water in, and made to be used on top of a flame or electric coil. As you might guess from the name, the first saucepans, invented in the 17th century, were intended only for making sauces.

Example Sentences

"It could be a person, it could be an animal, a flower, a film, a photograph in the newspaper, just anything. A saucepan in the kitchen, boiling, you know, the steam coming…"

From BBC • Feb. 24, 2026

Set up your double boiler: you want a medium-sized pot or saucepan with about an inch or two of water, and then a heat-proof bowl which fits snugly atop the pot.

From Salon • Jun. 5, 2025

A perfect saucepan, finally within reach, but only because the world has ended.

From Salon • May 12, 2025

In a small saucepan, combine the orange marmalade and lemon juice over medium heat.

From Salon • Apr. 3, 2025

Willie melted the chocolate in a saucepan and I separated the egg whites from the yolks.

From "The Omnivore's Dilemma" by Michael Pollan

Related Words

• basin
• bowl
• bucket
• can
• cup
• jar
• jug
• kettle
• mug
• pan
• urn
• vessel