How to pronounce ironclad
Say it like EYE-ern-klad. Ironclad has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (EYE).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce ironclad. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- EYE
- ern
- klad
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Ironclad pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- EYESay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "i" in time.
- ernKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "er" in butter.
- kladGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "a" in cat.
American vs British pronunciation of ironclad
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: EYE-un-klad.
What does ironclad mean?
- A ship, vessel, or vehicle with a covering of iron, steel, or (loosely) any other tough metal.
- An armor-plated warship, (especially) one preceding the invention of harveyized steel.
- A wooden warehouse with an outer skin of corrugated metal.
- Covered with iron, steel, or (loosely) any other tough metal; armor-plated.“Unlike the average vehicle, cash delivery vans are ironclad and almost unstoppable.”
- Solid or certain; not able to be disputed or questioned; irrefutable.“The suspect had an ironclad alibi for his whereabouts on the night of the crime.”
- Rigorous; severe; exacting.“an ironclad oath or pledge”
Where does ironclad come from?
From iron + clad.
Questions about saying ironclad
How do you pronounce ironclad?
Say EYE-ern-klad. The American pronunciation is /ˈaɪɚnˌklæd/. In British English it is /ˈaɪənˌklæd/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in ironclad?
Ironclad has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (EYE). Broken into parts: EYE · ern · klad.
Is ironclad pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead. The British form is /ˈaɪənˌklæd/ (EYE-un-klad).