cast-iron

1 of 2

adjective

ˈkast-ˈī(-ə)rn 

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

cast iron

2 of 2

noun

: 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

Synonyms

Adjective

• brassbound
• exacting
• hard-line
• inflexible
• rigid
• rigorous
• strict
• stringent
• uncompromising

Examples of cast-iron in a Sentence

Noun

The fence is made of cast iron.

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Instead use cast-iron, stainless steel, glass or enamel products. —Sandee Lamotte, CNN, 10 Apr. 2024

Heat a nonstick or well-seasoned cast-iron skillet over medium-high and add the remaining 1 tablespoon sesame oil. —Melissa Clark, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 Apr. 2024

Melt 1½ teaspoons of the butter in a large cast-iron skillet over medium. —Sabrina Weiss, Peoplemag, 9 Apr. 2024

Apart from the best way to cook rice, nothing gets cooking-science types more riled up than cast-iron pans. —Julia Moskin, New York Times, 8 Apr. 2024

Its swooping curves and cantilevered body wraps around a crimson red cast-iron plate that holds 21 tons of string tension. —Julia Zaltzman, Robb Report, 5 Apr. 2024

Several feature the original 1930 black and white mosaic tile and six-foot cast-iron tubs. —The Arizona Republic, 30 Mar. 2024

Get The Recipe 35 of 40 Skillet Chicken Pot Pie Pull out your cast-iron skillet for this quintessential Southern dish. —Southern Living Editors, Southern Living, 28 Mar. 2024

Heat a large cast-iron skillet over high, about 5 minutes. —Sabrina Weiss, Peoplemag, 24 Mar. 2024

Noun

The streets became a gritty wasteland until the 1950s and ‘60’s, when artists seeking cheap space began to move into the vast, lofty spaces contained within the distinctive cast iron facades that line the area’s cobblestone streets. —Mark David, Robb Report, 15 Apr. 2024

In the past few weeks, more than 10,000 shoppers picked up the brand’s most popular cast iron skillet, which is 42 percent off right now. —Isabel Garcia, Peoplemag, 7 Apr. 2024

The mansion, modeled after the iconic Disneyland attraction, intentionally dons a striking exterior resemblance to the ride that dates back to 1969, right down to the cast iron detailing and signature wrap around porch. —Carly Caramanna, Travel + Leisure, 29 Mar. 2024

The two Tennessee icons have joined forces to create a legendary cast iron collection pairing the heirloom-quality of Lodge with Dolly’s trademark flair. —Meghan Overdeep, Southern Living, 14 Mar. 2024

Of the seven bathrooms in the home, five have cast iron roll top baths with marble vanity units. —Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 22 Mar. 2024

For more information and to purchase your own Dolly Parton cast iron, visit lodgecastiron.com/dolly-parton. —Meghan Overdeep, Southern Living, 14 Mar. 2024

As is the case with most cast iron cookware, care can be a bit daunting. —Clara McMahon, Peoplemag, 15 Mar. 2024

Like the French brand’s signature cast iron cookware, this domed baker ensures proper heat distribution for the perfect crust, even color and delicious flavor. —Paula Lee, Glamour, 14 Mar. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1692, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1664, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

cast iron

noun

: a hard brittle alloy of iron, carbon, and silicon shaped by being poured into a mold while melted