kettle
KET-l
/ˈkɛtəl/
A metal or plastic vessel with a lid, spout, and handle, used for boiling water.
Can refer to a traditional stovetop kettle or a modern electric kettle that plugs into a wall outlet.
The story behind the word. Traces back to the Latin catillus, a diminutive of catinus, meaning a deep dish or bowl for serving food. Over centuries of Germanic and Old English adaptation, the word evolved to refer specifically to a vessel used for boiling liquids.
Word relationships
- tea kettle: A more specific term emphasizing its use in tea preparation.
Commonly confused with
- teapot: A kettle is used to boil water, whereas a teapot is used to steep tea leaves in already-boiled water.
Collocations
- electric kettle
- boil the kettle
- stovetop kettle
Idioms & expressions
- the pot calling the kettle black
Example sentences
- "I will boil some water in the kettle to make a fresh pot of tea." Preparing a hot beverage.
- "The electric kettle shut off automatically as soon as the water reached a rolling boil." Describing a kitchen scene.
Memory hook
Think of a 'metal' pot that 'settles' on the stove to boil water. The kettle boils water for the metal cup.
When not to use
Do not confuse with a pot or saucepan, which is used for cooking food rather than just boiling water.
Fun facts
- In the United Kingdom, the electric grid experiences a massive surge in power demand called 'TV pickup' when popular television shows end, as millions of people simultaneously turn on their electric kettles to make tea.
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