A1 noun Neutral #2,598 most common

iron

/ˈaɪən/

An iron is a small household appliance with a flat, heated metal base. It is used to press clothes and remove wrinkles to make them look neat and smooth.

Examples

3 of 5
1

I need to use the iron to smooth out my shirt before the party.

I need to use the tool that gets hot to make my shirt flat before the party.

2

The hotel provides an iron and an ironing board in the closet for all guests.

The hotel gives guests a device to press clothes and a table to do it on.

3

Is the iron still hot? I want to do my jeans quickly.

Is the clothes-presser still warm? I want to fix my pants fast.

Word Family

Noun
iron
Verb
iron
Adjective
ironed
Related
ironing
💡

Memory Tip

Think of 'Iron Man' pressing his metal suit with a giant 'iron' to make it shiny.

Quick Quiz

The shirt is very wrinkled; please use the ___ to make it smooth.

Correct!

The correct answer is: iron

Examples

1

I need to use the iron to smooth out my shirt before the party.

everyday

I need to use the tool that gets hot to make my shirt flat before the party.

2

The hotel provides an iron and an ironing board in the closet for all guests.

formal

The hotel gives guests a device to press clothes and a table to do it on.

3

Is the iron still hot? I want to do my jeans quickly.

informal

Is the clothes-presser still warm? I want to fix my pants fast.

4

The invention of the electric iron revolutionized domestic labor in the 20th century.

academic

Creating the electric clothes-presser changed housework significantly during the 1900s.

5

Please ensure the iron is unplugged before you leave the office showroom.

business

Make sure the clothing press is disconnected from electricity before leaving.

Word Family

Noun
iron
Verb
iron
Adjective
ironed
Related
ironing

Common Collocations

steam iron an iron that uses water vapor
ironing board the long table used for ironing
hot iron an iron that has reached a high temperature
travel iron a small iron used when going on trips
electric iron an iron powered by electricity

Common Phrases

iron out the problems

to solve small difficulties

an iron fist

strict or harsh control (metaphorical)

strike while the iron is hot

take action while the situation is good

Often Confused With

iron vs iron (metal)

The same word is used for the chemical element/metal; context tells you if it is the tool or the material.

📝

Usage Notes

When talking about the home appliance, 'iron' is a countable noun. You can say 'I bought a new iron.'

⚠️

Common Mistakes

Learners sometimes use 'iron' for the activity. Use 'the ironing' for the task and 'the iron' for the tool.

💡

Memory Tip

Think of 'Iron Man' pressing his metal suit with a giant 'iron' to make it shiny.

📖

Word Origin

Derived from the Old English word 'isern', referring to the metal the tool was originally made of.

Grammar Patterns

Countable noun: an iron / two irons Verb: to iron something (e.g., I iron my pants) Compound noun: ironing board
🌍

Cultural Context

In many cultures, ironing is a standard part of laundry care to ensure professional and neat appearance.

Quick Quiz

The shirt is very wrinkled; please use the ___ to make it smooth.

Correct!

The correct answer is: iron

More Home words

dining room

A1

A specific room in a house or building used primarily for eating meals. It usually contains a large table and several chairs for family members and guests.

garage

A1

A garage is a building or a part of a house where you keep cars or other vehicles to protect them. It can also be a place where a mechanic repairs cars or where people sell fuel.

basement

A1

A basement is the lowest floor of a building, usually located partly or completely underground. It is commonly used for storage, laundry, or as an extra living space in a home.

balcony

A1

A balcony is an outdoor platform that is attached to the upper floor of a building. It is usually surrounded by a low wall or railing for safety and is used for sitting or looking at the view.

porch

A1

A porch is a covered structure attached to the entrance of a building. It typically has a roof and serves as a space to sit outside while being protected from rain or direct sun.

drawer

A1

A drawer is a sliding, box-shaped container that is part of a piece of furniture like a desk or a dresser. It is used to store things like clothes, papers, or tools and can be pulled out to reach what is inside.

fridge

A1

A fridge is a large kitchen appliance used to keep food and drinks cold so they stay fresh for longer. It is the shortened, most common name for a refrigerator used in daily life.

stove

A1

A stove is a large piece of kitchen equipment used for cooking food. It provides heat through burners on the top or an enclosed space called an oven.

microwave

A1

A microwave is a common kitchen appliance used to cook or heat food very quickly using electromagnetic waves. It is mostly used for reheating leftovers, defrosting frozen items, or making quick meals.

washing machine

A1

A washing machine is a large household appliance used to wash clothes, towels, and linens automatically. It uses water, detergent, and mechanical action to clean fabrics during different timed cycles.

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