cauldron

noun

caul·​dron ˈkȯl-drən How to pronounce cauldron (audio)
variants or less commonly caldron
1
: a large kettle or boiler
2
: something resembling a boiling cauldron in intensity or degree of agitation
a cauldron of intense emotions

Examples of cauldron in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Cultural differences of the region, like a vast foaming, bubbling cauldron, spit out heroes and villains, legends and lore. Gary Stoller, Forbes, 20 Dec. 2024 The little witch is up to the task, naming 11 tracks without skipping a beat — including a few deep cuts — before Rodrigo decides to just dump all of the candy in her cauldron into the girl's bag. Jessica Wang, EW.com, 1 Nov. 2024 Add a chunk of dry ice to the drink for a smoky, boiling cauldron effect. Kirby Adams, The Courier-Journal, 21 Oct. 2024 In the pics, the Hot Girl Coach is chilling on the couch enjoying popcorn from a cauldron (of course!). Kara Nesvig, Allure, 2 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for cauldron 

Word History

Etymology

Middle English caudron, caldron, from Anglo-French cauderon, diminutive of caldere basin, from Late Latin caldaria, from feminine of Latin caldarius used for hot water, from calidus warm, from calēre to be warm — more at lee

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of cauldron was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near cauldron

Cite this Entry

“Cauldron.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cauldron. Accessed 18 Jan. 2025.

Kids Definition

cauldron

noun
caul·​dron
variants also caldron
ˈkȯl-drən
1
: a large kettle
2
: something resembling a boiling cauldron in intensity or degree of agitation
a cauldron of intense emotion
Etymology

Middle English caldron, cauldron "cauldron," from earlier cauderon (same meaning), derived from an early French dialect word caudiere "basin," derived from Latin calidus "warm," from calēre "to be hot" — related to calorie, nonchalant

More from Merriam-Webster on cauldron

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!