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ironwork

ironwork

4 4.2
Metal objects or details on buildings like railings and gates
  • noun
  • /ˈaɪərnˌwɜrk/
translation icon : forja
  • The balcony's ornate ironwork added a touch of elegance to the old mansion.
  • ornate ironwork
  • ironwork balcony
  • architectural ironwork

Examples

  • I love the ironwork and think that it would pop once those changes are done!

    Blog text (3)
  • I looked carefully at the repairs to the ironwork that gave it its name and told Arthur I could improve on them.

    Fiction book (1991)
  • The black of the ironwork does not go with the stairs.

    Blog text (3)
  • Although I'm certain that the gates are not as old, the detailed ironwork is beautiful.

    Blog text (29)
  • My tools were there, ready and waiting for me to dive into the ironwork that is both my passion and my livelihood.

    Fiction book (2000)
  • We leaned against the balcony's pitted ironwork and ate each morsel the moment it browned.

    Fiction book (1997)
  • Over the hearth, a masterpiece of decorative wrought ironwork would have supported a spit-roast and proclaimed the standing of its owner.

  • The old row houses have been repainted, residing, updated with aluminum awnings and ironwork railings that have themselves grown old.

    Fiction book (1990)
  • Cottam (fl. 1818-57) was a partner in an iron foundry in Southwark, which produced decorative and structural ironwork.

    Academic text (2016)
  • Many cities feature beautiful ironwork in their parks, enhancing the landscape.

Synonyms

metalwork
vsironwork
1 3.7

Parts of an object made of metal

is about architectural decorative and structural features made from a specific metal
ironmongery
vsironwork
  • UK
1 9.5

Metal items for the home like tools or door handles

is focused on architectural features made from a specific metal rather than general hardware

Surface Forms

ironwork singular
ironworks plural

Morphology

ironwork = iron + work (transparent) = iron + work

The word 'ironwork' is a clear compound of 'iron' and 'work', directly referring to work or objects made from iron.

Etymology

Ironwork comes from the two simple parts iron and work, literally meaning 'work made of iron'. So ironwork names objects like gates, railings and decorations that are made by people who work with iron.