ironstone

noun

iron·​stone ˈī(-ə)rn-ˌstōn How to pronounce ironstone (audio)
1
: a hard sedimentary rock rich in iron
especially : a siderite in a coal region
2

Examples of ironstone in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
The soils are predominantly sandy loam, clay, and ironstone. Joseph V Micallef, Forbes, 10 Sep. 2024 Should’ve bought that T. rex cookie jar, that ironstone pitcher, that surfboard, that sleigh. Paige Williams, The New Yorker, 9 Sep. 2024 Most of the fossils are entombed in ironstone nodules. Jack Tamisiea, New York Times, 14 July 2024 Do not put antique ironstone in the microwave or oven, either. Sarah Lyon, Southern Living, 8 July 2024 Park staff looked over the spot and decided to leave the bone encased in ironstone and use it for educational purposes. Matt Hrodey, Discover Magazine, 25 July 2023 Here, this shelf that sits atop a rustic worktable is packed with ironstone dishes. Anna Logan, Country Living, 28 July 2023 The collision came as a shock, but scientists at the park decided to let nature erode the ironstone further. Matt Hrodey, Discover Magazine, 25 July 2023 In 2014, during a landscaping effort to clear some brush, a piece of heavy machinery struck the ironstone, breaking off a chunk and revealing more of the bone. Christine Condon, Baltimore Sun, 13 July 2023

Word History

First Known Use

1522, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of ironstone was in 1522

Dictionary Entries Near ironstone

Cite this Entry

“Ironstone.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ironstone. Accessed 16 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

ironstone

noun
iron·​stone ˈī(-ə)rn-ˌstōn How to pronounce ironstone (audio)
: a hard white pottery first made in England

called also ironstone china

More from Merriam-Webster on ironstone

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