Jump To:

• 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.

---

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.

---

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

---

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

See Examples For:

cast iron cast-iron

Laura Cherkas gives Aurora Sanchez a cast iron pan.

From Los Angeles Times ● Apr. 22, 2026

Made In 7-piece Enameled Cast Iron Set -Enameled cast iron is a meaningful upgrade for any home cook ready to level up.

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

Red ferried in more food, and two weeks later, we had piled up a treasure trove of cast iron almost as high as our tent.

From "October Sky" by Homer Hickam

In an era of public offerings and rich acquisitions, the Lodge family has kept a tight grip on the handle of its cast-iron business since 1896.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 19, 2026

Fry the flautas in a large cast-iron skillet over medium heat until golden brown.

From Salon ● Jun. 29, 2026

Still, on Black Friday she splurged on items she deemed functional and great temporary deals, including Staub cast-iron cookware and McGee & Co. home decor she has long wanted.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Dec. 5, 2025

It's been no secret that Buckingham Palace has wanted to see him move out of such a grand setting, but it's also recognised that he has a cast-iron lease, independently held.

From BBC ● Oct. 21, 2025

I watch him grab his cast-iron skillet, then I look at the rest of his stuff scattered around.

From "The Manifestor Prophecy" by Angie Thomas