kettle

[ˈketl]

kettle Definition

a container with a lid, spout, and handle, used for boiling water or liquids.

Using kettle: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "kettle" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

  • Example

    She put the kettle on to make some tea.

  • Example

    The soup was heated in a large kettle over the fire.

  • Example

    He filled the kettle with water and placed it on the stove.

kettle Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for kettle

Phrases with kettle

  • if you wait anxiously for something to happen, it seems to take a very long time

    Example

    I know you're excited to hear back from the job interview, but remember, a watched kettle never boils.

  • used to say that someone criticizes another person for a fault that they have themselves

    Example

    It's like the pot calling the kettle black when he accuses her of being lazy.

  • to reach the point where a liquid starts to boil

    Example

    The soup should be left to simmer until it comes to the boil.

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Summary: kettle in Brief

A 'kettle' [ˈketl] is a container with a lid, spout, and handle, used for boiling water or liquids. It is commonly used to make tea or coffee, or to heat soup. The phrase 'a watched kettle never boils' means that waiting for something to happen can seem to take a long time, while 'the pot calling the kettle black' is used to criticize someone for a fault they have themselves.

How do native speakers use this expression?