French word

soucoupe

Pronunciation

IPA/sukup/

Meaning

  • feminine nounsaucer

Example

La tasse est posée sur la soucoupe.

The cup is placed on the saucer.

Illustration for soucoupe (saucer)

More examples

Le serveur apporte la tasse et la soucoupe.

The waiter brings the cup and saucer.

Core concept

A round, shallow dish under a cup mirrors the simple silhouette of a flying saucer.

Common phrases

  • tasse et soucoupe

    cup and saucer

  • soucoupe à café

    coffee saucer

Similar words

sous-tasse: A small dish placed beneath a cup to catch spills.
tasse: A container, usually with a handle, for holding and drinking beverages.

Definition in French

Récipient plat, généralement rond, destiné à recevoir une tasse et à retenir les éventuelles gouttes ou coulures; par extension, mot employé pour un disque volant par analogie de forme.

Word origin

Soucoupe developed from the compound sous-coupe, literally an object placed under a cup, and acquired its other sense through resemblance to a disc.

Usage tips

  • The final -e in soucoupe is silent, and the word has two syllables, pronounced roughly 'soo-koop'.

Other meanings

  • flying saucernoun

Word lists with this word