andiron

noun

and·​iron ˈand-ˌī(-ə)rn 

: either of a pair of metal supports for firewood used on a hearth and made of a horizontal bar mounted on short legs with usually a vertical shaft surmounting the front end

Examples of andiron in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The cat handle of this pencil box from spring 2020 was inspired by Art Nouveau fireplace andirons that the French interior designer Armand-Albert Rateau had made for Jeanne Lanvin’s country home. —Lindsay Talbot, New York Times, 26 Feb. 2020

Pride would sift into you as the door swung slowly open to reveal a foyer full of silver vases teeming with flowers and a large fireplace, its bold brass andirons supporting fat crackling pine logs. —Whitney Tower, Town & Country, 5 Feb. 2014

Spheres from Areo and white bronze Robert andirons from Lyle and Umbach create a shimmering still life in the nonworking fireplace. —Sarah Yang, House Beautiful, 10 Dec. 2013

Classic pieces like elegant Sheraton armchairs stand side by side with folk art that wouldn’t be out of place in a Southern Gothic horror film, not to mention all the wildly eclectic andirons. —Katie Kiefner, Vogue, 31 July 2017

Word History

Etymology

Middle English aundiren, modification of Anglo-French aundyre, alteration of Old French andier

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

andiron

noun

and·​iron ˈan-ˌdī(-ə)rn 

: one of a pair of metal supports for firewood in a fireplace