Kettle Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐ซ
kettle
[หkษtษl ]
Definitions
kitchen appliance
A metal or plastic container with a handle and spout, used for boiling water or cooking food.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
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kettle |
This is a general word for a container used to boil water, often electric.
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pot |
While this can be used for boiling water, itโs more commonly associated with cooking and can hold multiple kinds of food or liquid.
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teakettle |
Specifically refers to a kettle designed for boiling water to make tea, often stovetop rather than electric.
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boiler |
This term is used more for equipment that heats water on a larger scale, often for heating systems or industrial purposes, and can occasionally refer to a simple household water heater.
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Examples of usage
- I put the kettle on for a cup of tea.
- She boiled water in the kettle to make pasta.
British
A vessel, usually made of metal, with a handle and spout, used for boiling water; a tea kettle.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
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kettle |
Typically used to refer to an electric kettle used for boiling water quickly in a modern kitchen.
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pot |
A broad term referring to any kitchen vessel used for cooking, such as a saucepan or a stockpot.
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teakettle |
Used to describe a stove-top kettle specifically for boiling water for tea, often with a whistle to indicate when the water is ready.
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boiler |
Primarily refers to a large appliance used to heat water for the entire house, mainly in the context of heating systems.
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Examples of usage
- She filled the kettle and put it on the stove.
- He always makes a cup of tea with the kettle.
informal
A situation or issue that is about to become problematic or dangerous.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
---|---|
kettle |
Used to describe a container used for boiling water, often in the kitchen.
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predicament |
Describes a difficult, perplexing, or unpleasant situation. It is less severe than 'plight' and often implies a degree of awkwardness or complexity.
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plight |
Refers to a dangerous, difficult, or otherwise unfortunate situation. This term often has a serious or sympathetic tone.
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trouble |
Refers to problems or difficulties. This is a general term that can be used in a wide range of negative situations, from minor issues to major crises.
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Examples of usage
- The political tension was reaching a boiling point, like a kettle about to whistle.
- The team knew they were in a kettle situation and had to act fast.
Translations
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Origin of 'kettle'
The word 'kettle' originated from the Old Norse word 'ketill', which meant a cauldron or a pot. It has been used in English since the 12th century to refer to a vessel for boiling water. Over time, the design and material of kettles have evolved, from traditional metal pots to modern electric kettles. Today, kettles are a common kitchen appliance found in households around the world, used for making hot beverages like tea and coffee.
Word Frequency Rank
Ranked #11,976, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.
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- 11973 incorrectly
- 11974 categorical
- 11975 grayish
- 11976 kettle
- 11977 joyful
- 11978 custodian
- 11979 activist
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