ironclad

1 of 2

adjective

iron·​clad ˈī(-ə)rn-ˈklad 

1

: sheathed in iron armor

—used especially of naval vessels

2

: so firm or secure as to be unbreakable: such as

a

: binding

an ironclad oath

b

: having no obvious weakness

an ironclad case against the defendant

ironclad

2 of 2

noun

iron·​clad ˈī(-ə)rn-ˌklad 

: an armored naval vessel especially of the mid to late 19th century

Examples of ironclad in a Sentence

Adjective

The company has an ironclad policy against revealing secrets to competitors.

He has an ironclad alibi.

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Unfortunately, many corporations have ironclad caveats regarding how an exec can fly—even off duty. —The Editors, Robb Report, 8 Dec. 2024

And third, pursue that path with ironclad determination. —Megan Sauer, CNBC, 3 Dec. 2024

Noun

Avoid a broader regional war while forcefully countering Iran’s terrorist proxies and destabilizing activities, and demonstrating an ironclad, unprecedented commitment to Israel’s security. —Benjamin Weinthal, Fox News, 18 Nov. 2024

One of the most ironclad of laws in politics is that governments that face coup attempts almost always become more authoritarian in response to them. —Brian Klaas, Foreign Affairs, 17 July 2016

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

circa 1847, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1862, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

ironclad

1 of 2 adjective

iron·​clad -ˈklad 

1

: covered by iron armor

2

: rigorous sense 1, exacting

ironclad laws

ironclad

2 of 2 noun

iron·​clad -ˌklad 

: an armored naval vessel