First Known Use: before 12th century
Dictionary
1iron
noun \ˈī(-ə)rn\
: a heavy type of metal that is very common, occurs naturally in blood, and is used to make steel and in many products
: a device with a flat metal base that is heated and is used to press wrinkles out of clothing
: a golf club that has a metal head and is identified by a number
Full Definition of IRON
1
: a silver-white malleable ductile magnetic heavy 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 — see element table
2
: something made of iron: as a plural : shackles for the hands or legs b : a heated metal implement used for branding or cauterizing c : a household device usually with a flat metal base that is heated to smooth, finish, or press (as cloth) d : stirrup —usually used in plural e : any of a series of numbered golf clubs having relatively thin metal heads — compare wood
3
: great strength, hardness, or determination
— iron in the fire
1
: a matter requiring close attention
2
: a prospective course of action
See iron defined for English-language learners
See iron defined for kids
ADVERTISEMENT
Origin of IRON
Middle English, from Old English īsern, īren; akin to Old High German īsarn iron
2iron
adjective
: made of iron
: very strong
Full Definition of IRON
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>
— iron·ness \ˈī(-ə)rn-nəs\ noun
See iron defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of IRON
before 12th century
3iron
verb
: to use a heated iron to make clothing or fabric smooth
Full Definition of IRON
transitive verb
1
: to furnish or cover with iron
2
: to shackle with irons
3
a : to smooth with or as if with a heated iron <iron a shirt> b : to remove (as wrinkles) by ironing
intransitive verb
: to smooth or press cloth or clothing with a heated iron
See iron defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of IRON
15th century
IRON Defined for Kids
1iron
noun \ˈī-ərn\
Definition of IRON for Kids
1
: a heavy silvery white metallic chemical element that rusts easily, is strongly attracted by magnets, occurs in meteorites and combined in minerals, and is necessary for transporting oxygen in the blood
2
: a device that is heated and used for making cloth smooth
3
: a device that is heated to perform a task <a soldering iron>
4
irons plural : handcuffs or chains used to bind or to hinder movement
2iron
adjective
Definition of IRON for Kids
1
: made of iron
2
: strong and healthy <He has an iron constitution.>
3
: not giving in <an iron will>
3iron
verb
ironediron·ing
Definition of IRON for Kids
: to press with a heated iron
Medical Dictionary
iron
noun \ˈī(-ə)rn\
Medical Definition of IRON
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 element table
2
: iron chemically combined <iron in the blood>
—iron adjective
Learn More About IRON
Browse
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up iron? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).