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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.


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

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

adjective

  1. made of cast iron

  2. rigid, strong, or unyielding

    a cast-iron decision

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

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

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

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

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

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

From "Purple Hibiscus" by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

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