# irons

/ˈaɪɝnz/ (US) · /ˈaɪənz/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/irons
Updated: 2026-08-27

## Senses

### 1. tools for smoothing clothes

noun · CEFR A2

more than one machine used to make clothes flat and smooth.

For teachers: plural of the household appliance used to remove wrinkles from fabric by applying heat and pressure.

- The hotel laundry room has several irons available for guests to use.
- Modern steam irons have largely replaced the heavy cast-metal versions that required external heating on a stove.

### 2. golf clubs

noun · CEFR B2

a set of golf clubs with metal heads.

For teachers: a category of golf clubs with flat metal faces, typically numbered one through nine.

- He decided to use one of his short irons to reach the green.
- The professional golfer opted for his long irons to maintain accuracy against the strong crosswinds on the fairway.

### 3. shackles or chains

noun · CEFR C1 · Archaic · Literary

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

For teachers: metal shackles or fetters used to restrain a prisoner, typically around the ankles or wrists.

- The prisoner was led away in irons after the trial ended.
- Historical accounts describe the harrowing conditions on the ship, where captives were kept in irons for the duration of the voyage.

### 4. nautical position

noun · CEFR C2 · Technical

a situation where a sailing boat is stuck facing the wind and cannot move.

For teachers: the condition of a sailing vessel when it is headed into the wind and has lost all forward headway.

- The small boat ended up in irons after a sudden change in wind direction.
- The novice sailor struggled to regain steerage after the yacht was caught in irons during a botched tack.

Usage: Usually appears in the phrase 'in irons'.

## Examples

- I need to use the iron on this shirt before the party.
- Modern steam irons make it much easier to remove deep wrinkles from heavy cotton fabrics like denim or canvas.
- The transition from heavy charcoal-filled irons to lightweight electric models revolutionized domestic labor in the early twentieth century, significantly reducing the physical strain of maintaining a professional wardrobe.

---

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.