gridiron

[grid-ahy-ern]

noun

1. a football field.

2. a utensil consisting of parallel metal bars on which to broil meat or other food.

3. any framework or network resembling a gridiron.

4. a structure above the stage of a theater, from which hung scenery and the like are manipulated.

verb (used with object)

1. to mark off into squares or design with a network of squares.

gridiron

/ ˈɡrɪdˌaɪən /

noun

1. a utensil of parallel metal bars, used to grill meat, fish, etc

2. any framework resembling this utensil

3. a framework above the stage in a theatre from which suspended scenery, lights, etc, are manipulated

4. 1. the field of play in American football

   2. an informal name for American football

   3. ( as modifier )

      a gridiron hero

Word History and Origins

Origin of gridiron¹

1250–1300; Middle English gridirne, gridir ( e ), gridere, variant of gridel griddle; variants in -irne, -ire, etc. are associated by folk etymology with ModE variant irne, ire iron

Word History and Origins

Origin of gridiron¹

C13 gredire, perhaps variant (through influence of ire _iron ) of gredile _griddle

Example Sentences

“This is the gridiron, not a golf course. Do not walk. Finish!” he bellowed.

From Los Angeles Times

Dezeurn was third in the 100-meter dash at the CIF state track and field finals in the spring and put his speed to good use on the gridiron in his Dolphins debut.

From Los Angeles Times

Horn is not only a two-sport athlete, but someone still undecided on whether his future will be on a mound or the gridiron.

From Los Angeles Times

But what tempted Watt to sink some of the fortune he made from a stellar gridiron career into Burnley?

From BBC

Travis Kelce will be hoping to win his fourth Super Bowl ring and he may retire if he does – certain in the knowledge he will go down as one of the great gridiron players.

From BBC

Related Words

• course 
• court 
• golf course 
• green 
• park 
• range 
• stadium 
• terrain 
• track 
• turf