# cauldron

/ˈkɑɫdɹən/ (US) · /kˈɔːldɹən/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/cauldron
Updated: 2026-08-27

## Senses

### 1. a large cooking pot

noun · CEFR B2

a large, round metal pot used for boiling liquids or cooking food over an open fire.

For teachers: a large metal pot with a lid and handle, traditionally used for boiling over an open flame.

- The witch in the story stirred a bubbling green liquid in her iron cauldron.
- Archaeologists discovered a bronze cauldron at the site, suggesting the ancient inhabitants prepared communal meals over large central hearths.

### 3. military encirclement

noun · CEFR C2 · Technical

a situation in war where an army is completely surrounded by the enemy.

For teachers: a military situation in which a force is completely surrounded by enemy units; a translation of the German 'Kessel'.

- The retreating soldiers were trapped in a cauldron and had to surrender.
- The general feared his divisions would be pushed into a cauldron, cut off from their supply lines and vulnerable to total destruction.

## Examples

- The soup simmered in a large iron cauldron.
- The hikers found an old iron cauldron left behind in the ruins of the abandoned mountain cabin.
- The stadium became a cauldron of noise and emotion as the home team scored the winning goal in the final seconds of the match.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.