iron

1 of 3

noun

1
: 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
2
: something made of iron: such as
a
: a household device usually with a flat metal base that is heated to smooth, finish, or press (such as cloth)
b
: any of a series of numbered golf clubs having relatively thin metal heads compare wood
c
irons plural : shackles for the hands or legs
d
: a heated metal implement used for branding or cauterizing
e
: stirrup
usually used in plural
3
: great strength, hardness, or determination

iron

2 of 3

adjective

1
: of, relating to, or made of iron
2
: resembling iron
3
a
: strong and healthy : robust
an iron constitution
b
: inflexible, unrelenting
iron determination
c
: holding or binding fast
an iron grip
ironness noun

iron

3 of 3

verb

ironed; ironing; irons

transitive verb

1
a
: to smooth with or as if with a heated iron
iron a shirt
b
: to remove (something, such as wrinkles) by ironing
2
: to shackle with irons
3
: to furnish or cover with iron

intransitive verb

: to smooth or press cloth or clothing with a heated iron
Phrases
iron in the fire
1
: a matter requiring close attention
2
: a prospective course of action

Examples of iron in a Sentence

Noun guards forced the prisoners to sleep while still shackled in irons Adjective he had an iron determination to succeed in on Wall Street
Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Noun
For example, pregnant women often need iron supplements and folic acid (a B vitamin). Bryant Stamford, The Courier-Journal, 31 Oct. 2024 When iron is also present, the hydrogen sulfide reacts with iron to form pyrite, which is iron sulfide. Paul Smaglik, Discover Magazine, 29 Oct. 2024
Adjective
This non-iron chino pant from Charles Tyrwhitt is guaranteed to always look its best, even with minimal care. Christian Gollayan, Men's Health, 6 Mar. 2023 The pandemic has diminished the use of professional and formal attire, leaving the dry cleaning business well below 2019 levels and causing cleaners to worry that COVID-19 has permanently altered the viability of their industry, which has struggled ever since non-iron shirts become popular. oregonlive, 11 June 2021
Verb
Tuck in and iron what should be tucked in and ironed. Marni Jameson, arkansasonline.com, 5 Oct. 2024 The preparation of 35 bows was next; they were shaped and ironed one by one before they were sewn at the specified points along the chevron pattern created by the ribbons. Romany Williams, Los Angeles Times, 11 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for iron 

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

Dictionary Entries Near iron

Cite this Entry

“Iron.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/iron. Accessed 9 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

iron

1 of 3 noun
1
: a heavy magnetic silver-white metallic element that quickly rusts in moist air, occurs in meteorites and rocks, and is widely used see element
2
: something made of iron: as
a
plural : handcuffs or chains used to bind or hinder movement
b
: a heated metal tool used for branding
c
: a household device with a flat metal base that is heated to smooth or press cloth
3
: strength sense 1, hardness
muscles of iron

iron

2 of 3 adjective
1
: of, relating to, or made of iron
2
: resembling iron
3
: being strong and healthy : robust
an iron constitution
4
: 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
1
: 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
2
: iron chemically combined
iron in the blood
iron adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on iron

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