iron

I wonder how an American pronounces…

iron
/ˈa–yɚn/

iron
/ˈa–yɚn/

i = /ay/
ro = /ɚ/
[linking pattern #2]
= /ˈa–yɚ/

In the 1830’s, these steam locomotives,
nicknamed Iron Horses, were replacing real horses.

 

an iron
/ə–ˈna–yɚn/

We use the word ‘iron‘ in everyday life.
For example, we iron our clothes with an iron.

 

a curling iron
/ə–ˈkɚ–lɪŋ–ˈa–yɚn/

Women curl their hair with a curling iron.

 

a waffle iron
/ə–ˈwɑ–fə–ˈla–yɚn/

We make waffles with a waffle iron.

 

cast iron pans
/ˈkæs-ˈda–yɚn–pænz/

We cook with cast iron pans.

 

an iron gate
/ə–ˈna–yɚn–ˈgeyt/

Some houses have an iron gate.

 

iron
/ˈa–yɚn/

A person who works with iron is called a blacksmith.

 

Strike while the iron is hot.
/ˈstrayk–wɑyl–ðə–ˈa–yɚnz–ˈhɑt/

This idiom means to take
advantage of an opportunity.

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Click on the picture to see the blacksmith at work.

 

Too many irons in the fire
/ˈtuw–mɛniy–ˈa–yɚn–zɪn–ðə–ˈfɑ-yɚ/

You have too many irons in the fire.
You’re trying to do too much at the same.

Note

In an unstressed syllable, all vowels + r = /ɚ/,
as in the word iron /ˈa–yɚn/.
[The Secret of R]

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