1
: made of cast iron
2
: resembling cast iron: such as
a
: capable of withstanding great strain
a cast-iron stomach
b
: not admitting change, adaptation, or exception : rigid
a cast-iron will
c
British
: not likely to fail or be broken : airtight
"Clever idea, Black, getting yourself seen on a safe station platform … gave you a cast-iron excuse not to leave your hidey-hole in future, didn't it?"—
J. K. Rowling
J. K. Rowling
: a commercial alloy of iron, carbon, and silicon that is cast in a mold and is hard, brittle, nonmalleable, and incapable of being hammer-welded but more easily fusible than steel
Examples of cast-iron in a Sentence
Adjective
lost weight only after a cast-iron adherence to his diet
he has a cast-iron faith in his innate ability to overcome any adversity that life might throw against him
Noun
The fence is made of cast iron.
Recent Examples on the Web
Sheena Chihak, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 Apr. 2026
Once cooled, it’s sliced into thick, long ribbons before getting a cast-iron char and a visit to the grill’s smokebox.
—Amy Drew Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 9 Apr. 2026
Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 12 Apr. 2026
Crafted from enameled cast iron, the dish is designed to provide steady, even heat for cooking meats and vegetables.
—Michele Laufik, Martha Stewart, 10 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for cast-iron
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Adjective
How to Cook Filet Mignon in a Skillet Cooking filet mignon in a cast-iron skillet is a great way to ensure your meat is extra tender and flavorful.
—Sheena Chihak, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 Apr. 2026
Once cooled, it’s sliced into thick, long ribbons before getting a cast-iron char and a visit to the grill’s smokebox.
—Amy Drew Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 9 Apr. 2026
Noun
Worried about your cast iron's seasoning?
—Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 12 Apr. 2026
Crafted from enameled cast iron, the dish is designed to provide steady, even heat for cooking meats and vegetables.
—Michele Laufik, Martha Stewart, 10 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for cast-iron
Cite this Entry
“Cast-iron.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cast-iron. Accessed 17 Apr. 2026.
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