# ironclad

/ˈaɪɝnˌkɫæd/ (US) · /ˈaɪəŋklæd/ (UK) · CEFR C2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/ironclad
Updated: 2026-05-30

## Definition

a large, powerful ship with a metal armor covering. These ships were used in the past to protect against enemy attacks.

For teachers: a warship protected by a metal plating, typically iron or steel. Historically significant in the transition from wooden sailing vessels to modern naval architecture.

## Examples

- The ironclad was the most powerful ship in the harbor.
- During the mid-nineteenth century, the introduction of the ironclad changed the nature of naval warfare forever.
- The CSS Virginia, originally a steam frigate, was converted into an ironclad to challenge the Union's naval blockade of the southern ports.

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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.