kettledrum

[ ket-l-druhm ]

noun

1. a drum consisting of a hollow hemisphere of brass, copper, or fiberglass over which is stretched a skin, the tension of which can be modified by hand screws or foot pedals to vary the pitch.

kettledrum

/ ˈkɛtəlˌdrʌm /

noun

1. a percussion instrument of definite pitch, consisting of a hollow bowl-like hemisphere covered with a skin or membrane, supported on a tripod or stand. The pitch may be adjusted by means of screws or pedals, which alter the tension of the skin

kettledrum

1. A drum consisting of a skin stretched over a large shell in the shape of a half-sphere. The pitch of the kettledrum can be changed by manipulating screws at the edge of the skin or pedals at the bottom of the drum. Kettledrums are usually used in classical music in sets of two or more and are known by their Italian name, timpani .

Derived Forms

• ˈkettleˌdrummer, noun

Other Words From

• kettle·drummer noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of kettledrum¹

First recorded in 1595–1605; kettle + drum ¹

Example Sentences

The carpenter sat beside him with a kettledrum, more literally a kettledrum even than the real thing, for that drum was a kettle!

From Project Gutenberg

Dicky Wyatt writes, in answer to Helvellyn, that the word "Kettledrum" means a large social party.

From Project Gutenberg

It was about a fine kettledrum all tasselled in royal fashion, with gold and silver, that Ibrahim's father had given him.

From Project Gutenberg

The names given during the middle ages to the kettledrum are derived from the East.

From Project Gutenberg

Said the slave-girl: “The large kettledrum sounds so sad to-day; some misfortune must surely have happened to the kettledrummer!”

From Project Gutenberg