saucepan
Americannoun
noun
Etymology
Origin of saucepan
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How does saucepan compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:
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
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
"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
The seven-piece collection includes two Dutch ovens, a skillet, a saucepan, and a bonus braiser; the streamlined five-piece version offers a single Dutch oven.
From Salon • Nov. 20, 2025
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
Simmer the tomatoes: In a saucepan over medium heat, cook the tomatoes down until soft and juicy, about 10–15 minutes.
From Salon • Jun. 2, 2025
I left the empty bottle behind a large saucepan and began working my way back along the top shelf.
From "The Witches" by Roald Dahl
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
