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

What’s even stranger about their absence from national relevance on the gridiron is that the Ivy League essentially invented big-time college football.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

But beyond the strident rhetoric lies a good story about race, power and the exploitation of gridiron heroes.

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He was ecstatic when he got in, and quickly realized that his accomplishments on the gridiron paled in comparison to some of his new classmates.

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

Read more on 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.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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