kettledrum

[ket-l-druhm]

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR kettledrum ON THESAURUS.COM

noun

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.

Compare timpani.

Origin of kettledrum

First recorded in 1595–1605; kettle + drum¹

Related formsket·tle·drum·mer, noun

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Related Words for kettledrum

pan, kettledrum, timpani

Examples from the Web for kettledrum

Historical Examples of kettledrum

The band at Holboch consisted of a kettledrum and a concertina.
The American Egypt
Channing Arnold
The kettledrum is struck at about a quarter of the diameter from the ring.
Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 15, Slice 7
Various
The origin of the kettledrum is remote and must be sought in the East.
Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 15, Slice 7
Various
Oh, replied Mr. Kettledrum, you should hear the Dook admire it.
Cradock Nowell, Vol. 2 (of 3)
Richard Doddridge Blackmore
Mrs. Kettledrum rose at the same instant, and introduced her sister.
Cradock Nowell, Vol. 2 (of 3)
Richard Doddridge Blackmore

British Dictionary definitions for kettledrum

kettledrum

noun

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

Derived Formskettledrummer, noun

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for kettledrum

1540s, from kettle + drum (n.).

kettledrum in Culture

kettledrum

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.