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

Ukraine’s Security Now Depends on Europe A deal to end the war must include ironclad assurances. —Barry Eichengreen, Foreign Affairs, 10 Dec. 2024

Veiga’s ironclad self-belief underpinned his decision to jump at the opportunity to join Augsburg on a 12-month loan deal in January last year, swapping B-team football for a relegation battle in Germany’s Bundesliga. —Liam Twomey, The Athletic, 26 July 2024

Noun

So, with the Titans, this patience manifests in me as someone who doesn't believe in making a change unless there's an ironclad guarantee that the alternative is better than the present. —Nick Suss, The Tennessean, 16 Dec. 2024

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

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