IRA

1 of 2

noun

ˌī-(ˌ)är-ˈā  ˈī-rə 

plural IRAs

: a retirement savings account in which income taxes on certain deposits and on all gains are deferred until withdrawals are made

IRA

2 of 2

abbreviation

Irish Republican Army

Examples of IRA in a Sentence

Abbreviation

a representative of the IRA

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

This higher ceiling means workers can set aside substantially more each year in a 401(k) compared to an IRA, which can be especially valuable for people who are behind on their savings goals. —Lauren Schuster, Miami Herald, 25 Feb. 2026

But in truth, the IRA option already exists for adult savers who can create their own accounts and apply for the match. —Jeanne Sahadi, CNN Money, 25 Feb. 2026

Instead, consider alternative types like a gold IRA or gold ETF, which circumvent some of these issues while still allowing you to get invested effectively in the gold market now. —Matt Richardson, CBS News, 23 Feb. 2026

Ironically, many Chinese firms also take advantage of the same federal subsidies offered through the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). —Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 20 Feb. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun

initialism from individual retirement account or individual retirement arrangement

First Known Use

Noun

1974, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for IRA

• lyra
• spirogyra

Legal Definition

IRA

noun

ˌī-ˌär-ˈā, ˈī-rə 

: an account in which a person may deposit up to a stipulated amount each year and that is not taxable until retirement or early withdrawal

Note: Deposits to an IRA may not be completely or partially deductible from adjusted gross income if one's income exceeds a set level.

Etymology

Noun

individual retirement account