kettledrums

IPA/ˈket.əl.drʌm/
IPA/ˈket̬.əl.drʌm/

kettledrums — noun

  • kettledrumssingular
  • kettledrumsesplural

1. a large metal drum shaped like a bowl, with a stretched surface on top that can

1.nounC1
Definition

a large metal drum shaped like a bowl, with a stretched surface on top that can be tightened or loosened to produce different musical notes; usually played in an orchestra as part of a set of two or more such drums

Example

The orchestra's new symphony required the percussionist to play four kettledrums at once.

usually plural in orchestral context

Justin spent the afternoon tuning each kettledrum to match the notes the conductor had requested.

tune + kettledrum — adjusting pitch

Common collocations
  • play the kettledrums
  • a set of kettledrums
  • tune the kettledrums
  • strike a kettledrum
  • kettledrum solo
  • kettledrum player
  • deep rumble of the kettledrums
Synonyms
  • timpani

    the standard Italian-derived term used in orchestral scores; grammatically plural (singular: timpano)

  • kettle drum

    alternative two-word spelling, less common in formal writing

  • tympani

    less common variant spelling of timpani

Usage Note

Frequently used in the plural form 'kettledrums' because orchestras almost always use a set of two or more. The singular 'a kettledrum' refers to one individual drum. Also called timpani (especially in orchestral scores), though 'timpani' is grammatically plural itself.

Common Mistakes

The kettledrums is tuned before the show.
The kettledrums are tuned before the show.
'kettledrums' is a plural countable noun and takes a plural verb.
I bought a new set of kettledrum.
I bought a new set of kettledrums.
'a set of' is followed by the plural noun form.

Word family

  • kettledrum
    nounC1
  • timpani
    nounC1
  • timpanist
    nounC2

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/1

All three terms refer to the same instrument. 'Kettledrum' is the direct English name, derived from the kettle-like shape of the metal bowl, and is best understood by general audiences. 'Timpani' (from Italian) is the standard term used in orchestral scores and among professional musicians — you would say 'the timpani section' but 'a kettledrum solo'. 'Tympani' is a less common respelling of 'timpani'. 'Kettle drum' (two words) is an occasional variant but less frequent in modern writing. Use 'timpani' in formal or professional musical contexts, and 'kettledrum(s)' when writing for a broader audience.

timpani ↗kettle drumtympani

Common collocations

Nouns

Phrases

  • set of kettledrums
  • pair of kettledrums

Etymology

Old EnglishMiddle DutchEnglish

A compound of 'kettle' (from Old English 'cetel', referring to a metal pot or vessel) and 'drum' (from Middle Dutch 'tromme'), named for the round, bowl-like shape of the instrument's metal body. The word first appears in English around the early 1600s, when paired kettledrums became a standard part of European cavalry bands and later orchestral music.

First known use

1602

1602, in the meaning defined above