ironwood

noun

iron·​wood ˈī(-ə)rn-ˌwu̇d 

1

: any of numerous trees and shrubs (such as a hornbeam or hop hornbeam) with exceptionally tough or hard wood

2

: the wood of an ironwood

Examples of ironwood in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Some evolutionary lessons are here: There are ironwood trees that grow on two of the islands but have different characteristics due to the differing amounts of wind and sun. —John Metcalfe, Mercury News, 4 May 2026

The wood itself, typically ironwood and teak, is locally sourced and shaped with hand tools. —Agung Afif, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2026

During the construction phase, the group avoided the use of heavy machinery to keep most of the jungle intact and used ironwood reclaimed from boat piers and fishing boat decks as the main construction material. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 31 Mar. 2026

In these cabins, the ironwood ribs are clearly visible. —Tristan Rutherford, Robb Report, 26 Jan. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1657, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for ironwood

• adulthood
• babyhood
• brotherhood
• cottonwood
• fatherhood
• firewood
• fuelwood
• hardihood
• leatherwood
• likelihood
• livelihood
• maidenhood

Kids Definition

ironwood

noun

iron·​wood -ˌwu̇d 

1

: any of numerous trees and shrubs with very tough hard wood

2

: the wood of an ironwood