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

The good news is that the law does not affect the billions of dollars that the IRA already sent to state efficiency and electrification rebate programs and that much of that money will remain available beyond the federal sunsets. —Tik Root, Wired News, 12 July 2025

The budget bill offers a longer reprieve to a third IRA incentive, replacing the Dec. 31, 2032 expiration for its tax credit for installing an EV charger at home with a June 30, 2026 deadline. —Rob Pegoraro, PC Magazine, 11 July 2025

Rather than fully repealing provisions that have been established and generated business activity under the IRA, the new megabill puts fresh constraints on the sector. —Jenni Reid, CNBC, 3 July 2025

Setting aside money in emergency funds and online IRA accounts, for example, helps cushion financial hardship during an unexpected loss of income. —Ethan Stone, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025

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