iron
noun
\ ˈī(-ə)rn
\
\
Definition of iron
(Entry 1 of 3)
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 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 in the fire
1
: a matter requiring close attention
2
: a prospective course of action
iron
adjectiveDefinition of iron (Entry 2 of 3)
1
: of, relating to, or made of iron
2
: resembling iron
3a
: strong and healthy : robust
an iron constitution
b
: inflexible, unrelenting
iron determination
c
: holding or binding fast
an iron grip
iron
verb
ironed;
ironing;
irons
Definition of iron (Entry 3 of 3)
1a
: 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
: to smooth or press cloth or clothing with a heated iron
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Other Words from iron
Adjective
ironness
\ ˈī(-ə)rn-nəs
\
noun
\
noun
Synonyms & Antonyms for iron
Synonyms: Adjective
firm, forceful, hearty, lusty, robust, solid, stout, strong, sturdy, vigorous
Antonyms: Adjective
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Examples of iron in a Sentence
Adjective
he had an iron determination to succeed in on Wall StreetRecent Examples on the Web: Noun
On Tuesday, China reported its biggest one-month drop-off in iron-ore prices in nearly eight years, marking a major slowdown for the producer of more than half the world’s steel. — Taylor Telford, BostonGlobe.com, "Stocks slump broadly as expanded US-China tariffs kick in," 3 Sep. 2019 The idea had roots in Luxembourg history: Blessed with rich deposits of iron ore, the country's economy was powered for much of the 20th century by steel manufacturing. — Wired, "Luxembourg's Bold Plan to Mine Asteroids for Rare Minerals," 29 Aug. 2019 But Greenland has enormous unexplored stores of natural resources, including zinc, lead, gold, iron ore, diamonds, copper and uranium, that Denmark has been unable or unwilling to exploit. — Marc A. Thiessen, The Mercury News, "Thiessen: Trump’s idea of buying Greenland is far from absurd," 25 Aug. 2019 The resources that have been identified include zinc, gold, iron ore, uranium and various other metals. — Los Angeles Times, "Q&A: Trump wants to buy Greenland. How much is it worth anyway?," 23 Aug. 2019 The Hulett ore unloaders were miracles of early 20th-century technology that vastly sped up the unloading of coal, iron ore and limestone from ships in the Great Lakes. — Steven Litt, cleveland.com, "Giant Hulett ore unloader parts could rise again as part of Cleveland lakefront plan," 18 Aug. 2019 The Simandou region is one of the world’s largest sources of iron ore. — Washington Post, "Lawyer for Israeli diamond magnate denies corruption claims," 14 Aug. 2019 The trains mainly hauled natural resources, such as iron ore and logs. — Micah Walker, Detroit Free Press, "All aboard: Experience fall colors on these historic trains in Michigan," 11 Aug. 2019 During booms, there is strong demand for everything from crude to copper and iron ore. — Matt Egan, CNN, "'Fragile' oil demand is the weakest since 2008, energy watchdog says," 9 Aug. 2019Recent Examples on the Web: Verb
One focus since joining the system is ironing a swing that had been geared to load up to damage baseballs. — San Diego Union-Tribune, "Minors: How Storm’s Gabriel Arias is tapping into his power," 16 Aug. 2019 In homes people wake up in the middle of the night to cook or iron their shirts. — The Economist, "Zimbabwe’s economy is crashing and its people are hungry," 15 Aug. 2019 With any luck the LOUD Weekend will continue in future years, and the growing pains will iron themselves out. — Zoë Madonna, BostonGlobe.com, "Bang on a Can turns up the volume with LOUD Weekend at Mass MoCA," 3 Aug. 2019 Think about using the vintage ironing closet for some of your supplies. — Bang Staff And Correspondents, The Mercury News, "Sponsored: Attractive vintage home on huge lot," 30 July 2019 The San Francisco 49ers and place kicker Robbie Gould agreed to a new deal early Monday morning, and with an hour before the 4 p.m. ET deadline, the Atlanta Falcons had ironed theirs out with defensive tackle Grady Jarrett. — Lorenzo Reyes, USA TODAY, "Franchise-tag roundup: Robbie Gould, Grady Jarrett get new deals; Texans' Jadeveon Clowney doesn't," 15 July 2019 Their white shirts were ironed, their shoes were vigorously shined and their faces had been scrubbed clean. — Maria Petrakis, latimes.com, "Wanted: People willing to live on a beautiful, remote Greek island," 6 June 2019 Women who stepped in and made sure my hair was done right, clothes were ironed, spirit was high and unbroken. — Harmonyholiday, Longreads, "Mama Looks for Melanin," 6 June 2019 Anyone can iron Jim Bob’s shirt, anybody can make lunch for him. — Sophie Dodd, PEOPLE.com, "'Be Joyfully Available for Him ... Even Though You May Be Exhausted and Big Pregnant': The Duggar Family's Most Candid Sex Tips," 28 June 2019These 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.
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