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Gridiron: meaning, definitions and examples

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gridiron

 

[ ˈɡrɪdˌaɪərn ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

sports field

A gridiron refers to the field used in American football, marked with yard lines and goalposts. It is typically a rectangular area of grass or artificial turf, 100 yards long and 53 yards wide. The term 'gridiron' also reflects the pattern of lines on the playing surface, resembling a grid. This structure is crucial for organizing the gameplay and understanding player positions during matches.

Synonyms

football field, playing field.

Examples of usage

  • The team practiced on the gridiron ahead of the championship game.
  • Players are often seen strategizing on the gridiron before the kickoff.
  • The gridiron was covered in snow, making play challenging.
Context #2 | Noun

cooking tool

A gridiron can also refer to a cooking device, typically a grate for broiling meat or fish. It's designed to allow fat to drip away from the food, which can enhance flavor and reduce grease. The structure often has a series of parallel bars that create grill marks on the food. This can be used over an open flame, on the stove, or in an oven.

Synonyms

braai, grill.

Examples of usage

  • He placed the steak on the gridiron over the fire.
  • Using a gridiron helps achieve perfect grill marks.
  • The fish cooked beautifully on the gridiron.

Translations

Translations of the word "gridiron" in other languages:

🇵🇹 campo de futebol americano

🇮🇳 ग्रिडआयरन

🇩🇪 American Football-Feld

🇮🇩 lapangan sepak bola Amerika

🇺🇦 американський футбольний стадіон

🇵🇱 boisko do futbolu amerykańskiego

🇯🇵 アメリカンフットボールのフィールド

🇫🇷 terrain de football américain

🇪🇸 campo de fútbol americano

🇹🇷 Amerikan futbolu sahası

🇰🇷 미식축구 필드

🇸🇦 ملعب كرة القدم الأمريكية

🇨🇿 hřiště amerického fotbalu

🇸🇰 ihrisko amerického futbalu

🇨🇳 美式足球场

🇸🇮 igrišče ameriškega nogometa

🇮🇸 ameríska fótboltavöllur

🇰🇿 америкалық футбол алаңы

🇬🇪 ამერიკული ფეხბურთის მოედანი

🇦🇿 amerika futbolu meydanı

🇲🇽 campo de fútbol americano

Etymology

The term 'gridiron' originates from the Middle English word 'gridder' or 'grider', which refers to a griddle or an iron grate. The word became associated with the game of football in the early 20th century due to the layout of the football field that resembles a grid with its lines. The phrase has evolved, but it predominantly describes the area where American football is played, influenced by the game's growth in popularity. The culinary usage draws from the same gridded design, highlighting its practical applications in food preparation. The dual meanings of 'gridiron' reflect both its roots in structure and its cultural significance in American sports and cuisine.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #27,937, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.