Editing Teapot (section)

{{Short description|Vessel for preparing and serving tea}}
{{other uses}} 
[[Image:Black tea pot cropped.jpg|thumb|A [[Brown Betty (teapot)|Brown Betty teapot]]]]
A '''teapot''' is a vessel used for [[steeping]] [[tea leaves]] or a [[herbal tea|herbal mix]] in boiling or near-boiling [[water]] and serving the resulting [[infusion]] called [[tea]]; usually put in a teacup. It is one of the core components of [[teaware]].

Teapots usually have an opening with a lid at their top, where the dry tea and hot water are added, a handle for holding by hand, and a spout through which the tea is served. Some teapots have a strainer built-in on the inner edge of the spout. A small air hole in the lid is often created to stop the spout from [[teapot dribble|dripping]] and splashing when tea is poured. In modern times, a [[thermally insulating]] cover called a [[tea cosy]] may be used to enhance the steeping process or to prevent the contents of the teapot from cooling too rapidly.

Dry tea is available either in [[tea bag]]s or as [[loose tea]], in which case a [[tea infuser]] or [[tea strainer]] may be of some assistance, either to hold the leaves as they steep or to catch the leaves inside the teapot when the tea is poured.