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

The pot itself is cast iron and can be used on the stove, along with the included fuel paste burner, which helps keep the cheese at the right temperature for enjoying.

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

At the moment, a typical car with a grey cast iron brake disc and low-steel brake pads – a common combination in Europe – emits about 8.8 mg/kg of PM10, according to EIT Urban Mobility.

From BBC • Aug. 4, 2025

Mama went to the backyard with Sisi to put away the cast iron cooking tripods.

From "Purple Hibiscus" by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie