'kettledrum' originates from the Middle English word 'kettle' and the Old English word 'drum,' where 'kettle' meant 'a metal pot' and 'drum' referred to a percussion instrument.

'kettledrum' changed from the Middle English word 'kettledrum' and eventually became the modern English word 'kettledrum'.

Initially, it meant 'a drum resembling a kettle,' and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.