Iron Age

American  

noun

1. the period in the history of humankind, following the Stone Age and the Bronze Age, marked by the use of implements and weapons made of iron.

2. (lowercase) the present age, following the bronze age; the last and worst of the four ages of the human race, characterized by danger, corruption, and toil.

3. (lowercase) any age or period of degeneracy or wickedness.

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iron age ¹ British  

noun

1. classical myth the last and worst age in the history of the world

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Iron Age ² British  

noun

1. 1. the period following the Bronze Age characterized by the extremely rapid spread of iron tools and weapons, which began in the Middle East about 1100 _bc

   2. ( as modifier )

      an Iron-Age weapon

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Iron Age Scientific  

1. The period in cultural development succeeding the Bronze Age in Asia, Europe, and Africa, characterized by the introduction of iron metallurgy. In southeastern Europe and the Middle East the beginning of the Iron Age is generally dated to around 1200 bce, with later dates for other parts of Europe and the other continents. Although not as hard or durable as bronze, iron is a more abundant resource, and the Iron Age saw a rapid expansion of metalworking wherever the technology was introduced.

2. See Note at Three Age system

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Iron Age Cultural  

1. The period of history, succeeding the Bronze Age, when people first learned to extract iron from ore and use it to forge tools, weapons, and other objects. The first organized production of iron objects developed in southwestern Asia shortly after 2000 b.c.

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Etymology

Origin of Iron Age

First recorded in 1585–95

Compare meaning

How does iron-age compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• Bronze Age vs. Iron Age

Example Sentences

The evidence supports the idea that Iron Age communities in this region were adapting to changing environmental and social conditions.

From Science Daily • Mar. 4, 2026

Historically, these rounded ingots served as a practical way to transport metal during both the Bronze Age and the Iron Age.

From Science Daily • Nov. 23, 2025

They now have proof that Iron Age residents of northern England had trading connections with the continent and the growing Roman Empire.

From BBC • Mar. 24, 2025

They also found three ceremonial spears and two ornate cauldrons or vessels, one that was decorated in both Mediterranean and Iron Age styles and probably used as a wine mixing bowl.

From BBC • Mar. 24, 2025

It remains for us to consider the encounters of New Guinea’s and Australia’s Stone Age societies with Iron Age Europeans.

From "Guns, Germs, and Steel: The Fates of Human Societies" by Jared M. Diamond