American English

How to pronounce ironing

noun · verbB1Common word

AIernihng

/ˈaɪ.ɚ.nɪŋ/

3 syllables · Stress the first syllable.

Related entry: iron

a strong, hard metal found in rocks and used to make steel and many objects

Meanings & examples

noun

a strong, hard metal found in rocks and used to make steel and many objects

The old gate is made of iron.

Iron is used to make steel.

Common phrases & grammar

iron ore · cast iron · iron bar · iron deficiency

be made of iron

iron + noun

noun

a small electrical appliance with a hot, flat surface, used to make clothes smooth

I need an iron for this shirt.

Please unplug the iron.

Common phrases & grammar

steam iron · electric iron · hot iron

use an iron to + verb

turn on the iron

verb

to press clothes with a hot, flat appliance so they become smooth

I iron my work shirts on Sunday.

She ironed the dress before the wedding.

Common phrases & grammar

iron clothes · iron a shirt · iron a dress

iron something before + event

iron something for + person

to solve a problem or disagreement

We need to iron out the final details.

Iron is usually not plural when it means the metal. For the appliance, say an iron or two irons.