# iron

/ˈaɪɝn/ (US) · /ˈaɪən/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/iron
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. the metal

noun · CEFR A2

a strong, heavy, grey metal that is used to make steel and is attracted by magnets.

For teachers: a silvery-grey metallic element (Fe) used extensively in structural engineering and manufacturing; uncountable when referring to the material.

- The old gate was made of heavy iron and had started to rust.
- The industrial revolution was driven by the mass production of iron, which allowed for the construction of stronger bridges and machinery.

### 2. clothing tool

noun · CEFR A2

an electric tool with a flat, hot bottom that you use to make clothes smooth.

For teachers: a household appliance with a heated flat surface used to remove wrinkles from fabric.

- I need to buy a new iron because my old one is leaking water.
- She left the iron face-down on the board, resulting in a scorched triangular mark on her silk blouse.

### 3. golf club

noun · CEFR B2

a type of golf club with a metal head, used for hitting the ball middle distances.

For teachers: a category of golf clubs with a blade-like metal head, numbered 1 through 9 to indicate loft and distance.

- He chose a seven iron to reach the green from the fairway.
- The professional golfer opted for a long iron rather than a hybrid, trusting his ability to control the ball's flight in the heavy wind.

### 4. shackles

noun · CEFR B2 · Literary

chains or metal bands used to tie a prisoner's hands or feet together.

For teachers: metal fetters or shackles used to restrain a prisoner; almost always used in the plural form.

- The prisoner was led away in irons after the trial ended.
- The historical drama depicted the captives held in heavy irons in the damp hold of the ship.

### 5. gym weights

noun · CEFR C1 · Slang · Informal

heavy metal weights used for exercise and building muscle.

For teachers: a collective term for weights used in resistance training or bodybuilding.

- He spends every morning at the gym pumping iron to get stronger.
- The veteran bodybuilder spent decades lifting iron, developing a physique that won him numerous national titles.

### 6. to smooth clothes

verb · CEFR A2

to use a hot tool to remove wrinkles from clothes.

For teachers: to press fabric with a heated appliance to remove creases; can be used transitively with an object or intransitively.

- Could you iron this shirt for me before the party starts?
- He spent the evening ironing his suits for the upcoming week of interviews, ensuring every sleeve was perfectly creased.

### 7. strong or tough

adjective · CEFR B2

very strong and not willing to change your mind.

For teachers: metaphorically strong, inflexible, or determined; often used to describe will or discipline.

- The manager ruled the office with an iron will and never accepted excuses.
- Her iron discipline allowed her to complete the marathon despite the intense heat and a minor leg injury.

## Examples

- She uses an iron to press her shirts.
- The old bridge is made of cast iron, which needs regular painting to prevent it from rusting.
- The Industrial Revolution was built on coal and iron, transforming landscapes and societies with its relentless demand for raw materials.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.