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• cast iron
  cast iron

  noun

  an alloy of iron, carbon, and other elements, cast as a soft and strong, or as a hard and brittle, iron, depending on the mixture and methods of molding.
• cast-iron
  cast-iron

  adjective

  made of cast iron.

cast iron

¹ American  

noun

1. an alloy of iron, carbon, and other elements, cast as a soft and strong, or as a hard and brittle, iron, depending on the mixture and methods of molding.

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cast-iron ² American  

[kast-ahy-ern, kahst-] / ˈkæstˈaɪ ərn, ˈkɑst- /

adjective

1. made of cast iron.

2. not subject to change or exception.

   a cast-iron rule.

3. hardy.

   a cast-iron stomach.

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cast iron British  

noun

1. iron containing so much carbon (1.7 to 4.5 per cent) that it cannot be wrought and must be cast into shape

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adjective

1. made of cast iron

2. rigid, strong, or unyielding

   a cast-iron decision

Etymology

Origin of cast iron¹

1655–65; cast (past participle of cast ( def. ) ) + iron

Origin of cast-iron²

First recorded in 1655–65

Example Sentences

Laura Cherkas gives Aurora Sanchez a cast iron pan.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 22, 2026

Made In’s sets deliver the durability and heat performance of traditional cast iron without the need for seasoning, and they move seamlessly from stovetop to oven to table.

From Salon • Nov. 20, 2025

He called on Lammy to give his "cast iron assurance" that Kebatu will be deported from the country by the end of the week.

From BBC • Oct. 27, 2025

Their kitchen pans were likely cast iron, gilded with bacon grease and seasoned until fried eggs slid across their surface like hockey pucks.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 24, 2025

“Your mama sure makes a fine gingersnap. My mama always says she was born to manhandle a cast iron skillet but your mama was blessed with the lighter touch of a baker.”

From "Moon Over Manifest" by Clare Vanderpool