kettle
7 synonyms and 0 antonyms for kettle, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A container with a spout used for boiling water.
Synonyms
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use kettle
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Old English cietel, related to Old Norse ketill, both ultimately from a Germanic word for a vessel or cauldron; the policing sense is a modern figurative extension, comparing a contained crowd to water trapped in a kettle.
Full origin of kettle →Frequently asked questions
What does “kettle” mean?
The word “kettle” means a container with a spout used for boiling water. In plain terms, most commonly the pot you boil water in; also a policing tactic of penning in a crowd.
How do you pronounce “kettle”?
“Kettle” is pronounced KEH-tuhl (/ˈkɛ.təl/ in IPA).
How do you use “kettle” in a sentence?
Here is “kettle” used in a sentence: “She put the kettle on as soon as guests arrived.”
What part of speech is “kettle”?
Depending on how it is used, “kettle” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “kettle” come from?
The word “kettle” comes from Old English.
Is “kettle” a common word?
“Kettle” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “kettle” have?
“Kettle” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a container with a spout used for boiling water.
What is the difference between a kettle and a teapot?
A kettle is a container with a spout used specifically for boiling water, while a teapot is used for brewing and serving tea after the water has already been boiled. Water is typically boiled in a kettle first, then poured into a teapot.
What does it mean when police 'kettle' protesters?
When used of police, to kettle means to confine a crowd of protesters or demonstrators within a tight cordon. This verb usage is distinct from the everyday noun sense of kettle referring to a water-boiling container.
Is 'kettle' as a police tactic formal or informal?
The police sense of kettle, meaning to confine a crowd within a tight cordon, is commonly used in news and everyday reporting on protests. It functions as a specific verb usage separate from the household object.