scrap iron
Americannoun
Etymology
Origin of scrap iron
First recorded in 1815–25
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.
Jakarta sent the shipment back as it clamped down on scrap iron and steel imports amid a scandal over alleged radioactive contamination of food products.
From Barron's • Jan. 14, 2026
At a public hearing, Tilted Arc was lambasted as "garbage", "hideous", "an irritant", "a calculated offence" and "scrap iron" - and a jury that had been chosen to settle the matter voted for its removal.
From BBC • Mar. 27, 2024
U.S. steelmakers claim to have the world’s lowest carbon emissions levels, in part because 70% of American steel is made from scrap iron in electric-arc furnaces rather than coal-fired blast furnaces.
From Reuters • Dec. 8, 2022
Explore an outdoor sculpture park strewn with whimsical pieces fashioned from scrap iron.
From Seattle Times • Mar. 3, 2022
Mom had helped me collect scrap iron to make steel, and even let me donate our cast-iron kettle to the cause.
From "Red Scarf Girl: A Memoir of the Cultural Revolution" by Ji-li Jiang
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
