Iron: meaning, definitions and examples

Commonly used to describe a household appliance used to press clothes and remove wrinkles.

• I need to iron my shirt before the meeting
• She bought a new iron that steams as well

A broad term used to refer to substances, usually hard and shiny, that conduct electricity and heat, and are typical materials in construction and manufacturing.

• Gold is a precious metal used in jewelry
• The bridge is made of metal

Used when referring to substances that cannot be broken down into simpler substances by chemical means, or when discussing fundamental components of nature and science.

• Oxygen is an element necessary for life
• Each element has a unique atomic structure

A strong, durable alloy of iron with carbon, often used in construction, tools, and appliances.

• The skyscraper's frame is made of steel
• She uses a steel knife to cut vegetables

This word is most commonly used in general contexts to refer to the household appliance that is used to remove wrinkles from clothes through the application of heat and pressure.

• She used an iron to smooth the creases in her blouse

This phrase is very general and can refer to any tool used to press or apply pressure to objects. It is less specific than 'iron' and could be used in a variety of professional or industrial settings.

• The factory worker used a pressing tool to shape the metal sheets

This term is sometimes used to refer to the same household appliance but is less commonly used in modern language. In historical contexts, it refers to heavier, non-electric irons that were heated on a stove.

• In the old days, people used a flatiron that they would heat on the stove before ironing their clothes

This term also refers to a strong metal element often used in construction and manufacturing.

• The bridge is made of iron
• Iron is essential for many industrial processes

This term can be used when ironing clothes, especially when giving special attention to create sharp creases, or generally for applying pressure to smooth or flatten something.

• She pressed her suit carefully to ensure it looked perfect
• Press the fabric firmly to remove all the wrinkles

This term is often used in a more general sense for making something flat or even, not necessarily related to ironing clothes.

• He used a roller to smooth out the wallpaper
• Let's smooth out any misunderstandings we have