cauldron

noun caul·dron \ ˈkȯl-drən \

variants: or less commonly caldron

|Updated on: 18 Jun 2018

Definition of cauldron

1 : a large kettle or boiler

2 : something resembling a boiling cauldron in intensity or degree of agitation

a cauldron of intense emotions

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Recent Examples of cauldron from the Web

Finally, a sweating and haggard Bourdain trudges to the table with his cauldron of stew.

— kanishk tharoor, The Atlantic, "Anthony Bourdain’s Extreme Empathy," 10 June 2018
The lawsuit is the latest turn in the ongoing controversy over free speech and the fiery cauldron of Middle East politics at one of the region’s more prestigious private schools.

— kathy boccella, Philly.com, "Former Friends' Central teachers sue school after firing over Palestinian professor invite," 9 May 2018
On the day the Olympic cauldron was being extinguished in South Korea, the proverbial torch for USA Bobsled was being passed as well.

— tim reynolds, chicagotribune.com, "USA Bobsled looks to future as Pyeongchang Olympics end," 24 Feb. 2018
And then on one Friday night, somewhere in the darkness, a cauldron is lit and soon after, the narratives are cast into the wind, replaced with the often inscrutable, always affirming reality of the Games themselves.

— tim layden, SI.com, "Lindsey Vonn Misses Podium, Czech Snowboarder Ester Ledecka Wins Stunning Gold in Super-G," 17 Feb. 2018
Shortages of food, evaporating salaries and desertions have turned the armed forces into a cauldron of conspiracies against Mr. Maduro, these people say.

— john otis and, WSJ, "‘Pressure Cooker’: Discontent Rises in Venezuela Military as Economy Dives," 18 May 2018
Far From the Podium The ceremony also incorporated a passing of the torch to Beijing, which will host the 2022 Winter Games, before the Olympic cauldron was extinguished.

— jason duaine hahn, PEOPLE.com, "A Korean Party! The Olympic Closing Ceremony Caps Off an Exhilarating Games," 25 Feb. 2018
Beginning the day 14 shots off the lead, Woods was not exactly competing in a bubbling cauldron of pressure.

— jeff babineau, New York Times, "Tiger Woods Climbs Leaderboard With a 65 at the Players Championship," 12 May 2018
Join us on deck for games such as handless doughnut eating, deadeye bowling and cauldron tossing.

— amy schwabe, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Weekend guide: Farm & Fleet Toyland celebration, Halloween haunts, a haunted ship and more," 18 Oct. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'cauldron.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of cauldron

Middle English caudron, caldron, from Anglo-French cauderon, diminutive of caldere basin, from Late Latin caldaria, from feminine of Latin caldarius used for hot water, from calidus warm, from calēre to be warm — more at lee

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 14th century

in the meaning defined at sense 1

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Other Food Terms

Reuben, calamari, chuck, curry, edamame, foie gras, hummus, leaven, nonpareil, peel

CAULDRON Defined for English Language Learners

cauldron

noun

Definition of cauldron for English Language Learners

: a large pot

CAULDRON Defined for Kids

cauldron

noun caul·dron

variants: also caldron \ˈkȯl-drən\

Definition of cauldron for Students

: a large kettle

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cauldron

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cauldron

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