Skip to main content
Glite Dictionary
ironware

ironware

5.6
Objects made of iron or metal like pots and tools
  • noun
  • /ˈaɪərnˌwɛr/
translation icon : artículos de hierro
  • The museum displayed various artifacts, including beautifully crafted ironware from the 1800s.

Examples

  • In spite of the payment of a heavy ransom of cowries and ironware, he was held for some time.

    Academic text (1993)

  • The plate in front of her was part of a Mason's ironware service.

    Fiction book (1999)

  • She inherited a collection of antique ironware that included pots, pans, and utensils.

  • The blacksmith specializes in making custom ironware such as gates, tools, and decorative items.

Synonyms

hardware
vsironware
148 2.7

Tools and metal items used for building or fixing things

focuses on items made of metal without stressing practical use
ironmongery
vsironware
  • UK
1 9.5

Metal items for the home like tools or door handles

is broader, naming items made of metal regardless of where they are sold
metalware
vsironware
1 5.0

Metal items used in the home, like forks or trays

refers to tools and implements made of metal rather than household utensils

How Durable

steel
23 3.7
cast iron
  • Specialized
12 3.7
ironware
5.6
tinware
  • Archaic
6.5

Surface Forms

ironware singular
ironwares plural

Morphology

ironware = iron + ware (transparent) = iron + ware

The compound 'iron' + 'ware' directly denotes goods made of iron, a meaning easily derived by learners from the parts.

Etymology

Ironware comes from two simple parts: iron, the heavy metal, and ware, meaning 'goods' or 'things' (the same ware you see in hardware and tableware). So ironware simply means goods, tools, or items made of iron, which is why we use it for iron pots, tools, and other metal objects.