kettle

noun

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ket·tle | \ ˈke-tᵊl

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Definition of kettle

1 : a metallic vessel usually used for boiling liquids especially : teakettle

2 : kettledrum

3a : pothole sense 1b

b : a steep-sided hollow without surface drainage especially in a deposit of glacial drift

4 : a usually large group of raptors (such as hawks or vultures) circling high in the sky on an updraft of warm air … more than 500 birds have been seen riding the same spiraling thermal air current, or "kettle," as they are known to hawk-watchers.— Rick Steelhammer

Examples of kettle in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Hopefully, our red kettles were filled, because all the money donated here stays here and the work being done is so important. — Sam Boyer, cleveland, "Creating this garden answered a prayer: Whit & Whimsey," 20 Dec. 2019 Among the crumpled bills and pocket change, a Salvation Army bell ringer in Indiana recently found a shiny gold coin in his red kettle. — Elizabeth Depompei, USA TODAY, "Anonymous donor drops $1,500 gold coin in Salvation Army kettle," 12 Dec. 2019 My host introduces herself as Joan Johnson; her husband, Tony, puts the kettle on and ushers me into their kitchen, which is only fractionally warmer than the outside. — The Economist, "Walking the wall: my Brexit hike in northern England," 4 Dec. 2019 Our short person has left for the schoolhouse, our official mascot is slumbering at our feet, and our coffee kettle is whistling a familiar tune. — Ed Silverman, STAT, "Pharmalittle: States push back on opioid deal; sheriffs acted as front group to decry importation," 24 Oct. 2019 The silence was abruptly broken by the screeching cry of my kettle. — Mandy Lee, Bon Appétit, "As Protesters March in Hong Kong, I Cook to Escape," 7 Oct. 2019 Put the kettle on, get comfy and enjoy the day's transfer rumours, courtesy of none other than yours truly. — SI.com, "Transfer Rumours: Cancelo in City Talks, Man Utd Eye Ben Yedder, West Ham Bid for Rondon & More," 26 June 2019 Start simply by lifting two kettle bells or heavy dumbbells (one in each hand) and walking or running to work on balance. — Stephanie Mansour, NBC News, "What you need to know before signing up for a Tough Mudder or Spartan race," 19 Nov. 2019 To the right of the entrance are assorted equipment, kettle bells and dumbbells. — John-john Williams Iv, baltimoresun.com, "For local kids, Bel Air’s new boxing gym is a knockout," 14 Nov. 2019

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