(geology) a hollow (typically filled by a lake) that results from the melting of a mass of ice trapped in glacial deposits
"The kettle formed when a chunk of glacier was left behind and subsequently melted, creating a small depression now occupied by a pond."
a large hemispherical brass or copper percussion instrument with a drumhead that can be tuned by adjusting the tension on it
"The marching band played a lively tune using their kettle, whose deep resonant tone cut through the summer heat."
A vessel for boiling a liquid or cooking food, usually metal and equipped with a lid.
"In old dialect records, a kettle was described as a type of fishweir used to trap salmon in rivers."
Alternative form of kiddle (“kind of fishweir”)
In plain English: A kettle is a metal pot used for boiling water to make hot drinks.
"I boiled water in the kettle to make tea."
Usage: The primary meaning refers to the household appliance used for heating water, while the verb form is rare and typically appears only in specific political contexts regarding crowd control. Do not confuse this common kitchen item with "kettlebell," which is a type of weight used in exercise.
To contain demonstrators in a confined area.
"The police managed to kettle the protesters near the city hall during the rally."
In plain English: To kettle something means to boil it by heating it up until it turns into steam.
"She was busy in the kitchen, where she would constantly be kettle-ing her tea to keep everyone caffeinated during the long meeting."
A surname.
"Kettle is a famous name in British aristocracy, known for its long lineage of distinguished family members."
The word kettle comes from the Old English ċietel, meaning "cauldron" or "vessel." It traveled into modern usage through Middle English forms like ketel, which may have also been influenced by similar words in Old Norse.