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KETL/ˈketl/

A kettle boils water for tea or coffee. Put the kettle on is a very British phrase meaning start the kettle. A pot is for cooking or serving tea. The cooker/hob heats pans; the kettle is the water boiler. Switch the kettle on; the kettle has boiled.

Meaning

A container for boiling water, used to make tea or coffee.

Examples

• “Put the kettle on.”
• “The kettle is empty — fill it first.”
• “I’ll put the kettle on for tea.”

Good to know

put the kettle on (British). Contrast: pot, cooker. Switch on / boil.

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