iron

1 of 3

noun

ˈī(-ə)rn

: a silver-white malleable ductile magnetic heavy metallic element that readily rusts in moist air, occurs in pure form in meteorites and combined in most igneous rocks, is the most abundant element on Earth by mass, and is vital to biological processes see Chemical Elements Table

: something made of iron: such as

: a household device usually with a flat metal base that is heated to smooth, finish, or press (such as cloth)

: any of a series of numbered golf clubs having relatively thin metal heads compare wood

irons plural : shackles for the hands or legs

: a heated metal implement used for branding or cauterizing

: stirrup

—usually used in plural

: great strength, hardness, or determination

iron

2 of 3

adjective

: of, relating to, or made of iron

: resembling iron

: strong and healthy : robust

an iron constitution

: inflexible, unrelenting

iron determination

: holding or binding fast

an iron grip

ironness

ˈī(-ə)rn-nəs

noun

iron

3 of 3

verb

ironed; ironing; irons

transitive verb

: to smooth with or as if with a heated iron

iron a shirt

: to remove (something, such as wrinkles) by ironing

: to shackle with irons

: to furnish or cover with iron

intransitive verb

: to smooth or press cloth or clothing with a heated iron

Phrases

iron in the fire

: a matter requiring close attention

: a prospective course of action

Example Sentences

Adjective he had an iron determination to succeed in on Wall Street

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

One of the game’s better iron players has held his own at Bay Hill, finishing T24 (2020), T10 (2021) and T17 (2022). —

Edgar Thompson, Orlando Sentinel, 1 Mar. 2023 Refined carbs are sources that have been processed and stripped of important nutrients like fiber, folate, and iron. —

Verywell Health, 28 Feb. 2023 Representing di Suvero’s early essays in rough-hewn wooden beams, iron bolts and chains is the sprawling Hankchampion. —

Dallas News, 27 Feb. 2023 The combination of solid wood steps and an iron frame makes this the strongest step stool on our list with a weight limit of 500 pounds. —

Megan Boettcher, Better Homes & Gardens, 27 Feb. 2023 The base of the falls was used as a trail crossing for Native Americans; later, the falls powered an iron forge, a cotton mill, and many other aspects of industry. —

Carrie Dennis, Travel + Leisure, 26 Feb. 2023 Additionally, the officials said, the wreckage's iron spikes suggest a ship built around 1820. —

Karen Matthews, USA TODAY, 26 Feb. 2023 The 55-acre plant will produce iron-air batteries and is anticipated to create at least 750 jobs in a $760 million investment. —

John Raby, ajc, 25 Feb. 2023 The new layer consists of an iron-nickel alloy, like other parts of the core. —

Kasha Patel, Anchorage Daily News, 24 Feb. 2023

Adjective

Following its acquisition by Marks & Spencer in 1988, Brooks Brothers gradually tweaked its most famous offering, introducing non-iron fabrics, slimmer fits and a lined and fused collar. —

Eric Twardzik, Robb Report, 30 Sep. 2021 Just take this slim-fit button-down dress shirt with a non-iron finish, It's woven from super soft and sturdy Supima cotton that’s also stretchy and wrinkle-resistant. —

Maverick Li, Men's Health, 9 Jan. 2023 Speak to your doctor about lowering your dose of prenatal vitamins or switching to a non-iron prenatal vitamin. —

Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 8 Nov. 2022 Its Stretch Regent, coming in various fits and specs, is a modern shirt at its finest, treated with non-iron stretch fabric, wrinkle resistance, and a classic French cuff. —

Christian Gollayan, Men's Health, 7 Nov. 2022 For my anti-iron lifestyle, the Nori is a clear winner. —

Rachel Besser, Vogue, 20 Aug. 2021 The broad bill is a moratorium of sorts and covers any kind of hard rock, or non-iron ore, mine anywhere in Minnesota. —

Jennifer Bjorhus, Star Tribune, 13 Jan. 2021 Efforts to slow copper-mining's advance into Minnesota are intensifying, with state lawmakers backing a prohibitive measure that would require mining companies to show proof that a similar non-iron, hard rock mine has operated safely elsewhere. —

Jennifer Bjorhus, Star Tribune, 13 Jan. 2021 For men who need to look sharp on a budget, these Nordstrom athletic-fit non-iron chinos are just the ticket. —

Nicole Briese, USA TODAY, 13 Dec. 2020

Verb

Brian McDonald, OSU Extension turf expert Will iron phosphate kill beneficial insects? —

oregonlive, 11 Mar. 2023 Sale said he’s been on the mound every day since his one-inning playoff flop against Tampa Bay last week trying to iron some things out. —

Creg Stephenson | Cstephenson@al.com, al, 15 Oct. 2021 However, don’t iron down 4 inches of the upper, mitered end of the veneer strip (photo 1 above). —

Joseph Truini, Popular Mechanics, 24 Jan. 2023 Tip: Use a low setting to lightly iron your paper snowflakes to smooth out any creases. —

Mariah Thomas, Good Housekeeping, 16 Dec. 2022 Unlike most days, 84-year-old Cruz Mendoza woke up bright and early on Dec. 18 to iron his plaid shirt and polish his sombrero and shoes to wear to the Christmas luncheon in the lobby of his senior housing facility, Casa Maravilla in Pilsen. —

Laura Rodríguez Presa, Chicago Tribune, 25 Dec. 2022 Still, there were wrinkles that forced the team devise new approaches to iron them out and operate more efficiently. —

Carl Engelking, Discover Magazine, 8 Mar. 2017 She’s someone who takes in strangers in need in the community to clean and iron their clothes and feed them meals. —

John Blake, CNN, 8 Oct. 2022 There’s time to iron things out, of course, but when the standard is competing for national championships, the rumbles and grumbles following a close call are inevitable. —

Eddie Timanus, USA TODAY, 4 Oct. 2022 See More

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'iron.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English, from Old English īsern, īren; akin to Old High German īsarn iron

First Known Use

Noun

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

15th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 3

Time Traveler

The first known use of iron was before the 12th century

See more words from the same century

Cite this Entry

Style

“Iron.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/iron. Accessed 26 Mar. 2023.

Copy Citation

Kids Definition

iron

1 of 3 noun

ˈī(-ə)rn

: a heavy magnetic silver-white metallic element that quickly rusts in moist air, occurs in meteorites and rocks, and is widely used see element

: something made of iron: as

plural : handcuffs or chains used to bind or hinder movement

: a heated metal tool used for branding

: a household device with a flat metal base that is heated to smooth or press cloth

: strength sense 1, hardness

muscles of iron

iron

2 of 3 adjective

: of, relating to, or made of iron

: resembling iron

: being strong and healthy : robust

an iron constitution

: inflexible sense 3, unrelenting

iron determination

iron

3 of 3 verb

: to smooth or press clothes with a heated iron

iron a shirt

ironer noun

Medical Definition

iron

noun

ˈī(-ə)rn

: a heavy malleable ductile magnetic silver-white metallic element that readily rusts in moist air, occurs native in meteorites and combined in most igneous rocks, is the most used of metals, and is vital to biological processes (as in transport of oxygen in the body)

—symbol Fe see Chemical Elements Table

: iron chemically combined

iron in the blood

iron adjective