ironstone

noun

iron·​stone ˈī(-ə)rn-ˌstōn 

1

: a hard sedimentary rock rich in iron

especially : a siderite in a coal region

2

: ironstone china

Examples of ironstone in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

And then there are amateur collectors like me, who might not know ironstone from porcelain, but whose last day on earth could be spent touching old objects in ignorant bliss. — Jessica Sulima, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 June 2026

Hunt specifically for charger plates (always stacked, always cheap), mismatched vintage china with soft florals or scalloped edges, ironstone pitchers for flower arrangements, brass candlesticks in varying heights, and colored vintage glassware. — Lanee Lee, Forbes.com, 31 Mar. 2026

There is home decor and housewares such as colorful bottles, milk glass, old wooden crates, ironstone pitchers, crocks and jugs, and more; art; smaller size furniture items; puzzles and games; vintage reproductions; and timeworn furnishings. — Pamela Brown, Hartford Courant, 21 Feb. 2026

In lieu of greenery, Payne recommends topping your cabinets with a collection of blue and white ginger jars or ironstone pitchers. — Marisa Suzanne Martin, The Spruce, 17 Jan. 2026

Do not put antique ironstone in the microwave or oven, either. — Sarah Lyon, Southern Living, 8 July 2024

Park staff looked over the spot and decided to leave the bone encased in ironstone and use it for educational purposes. — Matt Hrodey, Discover Magazine, 25 July 2023

Word History

First Known Use

1522, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing ironstone

• ironstone china

Rhymes for ironstone

• acetone
• anglophone
• baritone
• bourguignon
• buspirone
• chaperon
• chaperone
• cobblestone
• collarbone
• cornerstone
• cortisone
• dictaphone

Kids Definition

ironstone

noun

iron·​stone ˈī(-ə)rn-ˌstōn 

: a hard white pottery first made in England

called also ironstone china