andiron

noun

and·​iron ˈand-ˌī(-ə)rn How to pronounce andiron (audio)
: 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

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'andiron.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of andiron was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near andiron

Cite this Entry

“Andiron.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/andiron. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

andiron

noun
and·​iron ˈan-ˌdī(-ə)rn How to pronounce andiron (audio)
: one of a pair of metal supports for firewood in a fireplace

More from Merriam-Webster on andiron

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