From Longman Dictionary of Contemporary Englishkettledrumket‧tle‧drum /ˈketldrʌm/ noun [countable] APMa large metal drum with a round bottom, used in an orchestra. A set of kettledrums is called timpani.
Examples from the Corpus
kettledrum• Then, from somewhere, the sound of kettledrums rolled out.• Military might is evoked through fiercely pounded kettledrums.• Do not, however, regard the kettledrums as mere noisemakers.• The kettledrums are struck with felt-headed flexible sticks. 