flatiron: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Specialized (when referring to the hair tool or the historic iron); Proper noun (when referring to the building).
Quick answer
What does “flatiron” mean?
A small electrical appliance for straightening or smoothing hair using heated plates.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A small electrical appliance for straightening or smoothing hair using heated plates.
A flat, wedge-shaped piece of metal with a handle, historically used for pressing clothes when heated on a stove (now obsolete). The name of a distinctive triangular building in New York (The Flatiron Building). Any object with a similar broad, flat, triangular shape.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In British English, the hair tool is commonly called 'hair straighteners' or 'straighteners'. 'Flat iron' is understood but less frequent. The historic iron is simply a 'flat iron' (two words). The building name is known as a cultural reference.
Connotations
In the US, 'flatiron' (one word or two) is the standard term for the hair tool, with no special connotation. In the UK, using 'flatiron' for the hair tool might sound American or technical.
Frequency
High frequency in US English for the hair tool; low-to-medium frequency in UK English, where 'straighteners' dominates.
Grammar
How to Use “flatiron” in a Sentence
to flatiron one's hairto use a flatiron on somethingto be styled with a flatironVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “flatiron” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- She decided to flat-iron her fringe for a sleeker look.
- I need to flat-iron this section again.
American English
- She flatironed her hair before the interview.
- I'm going to flatiron my hair straight.
adverb
British English
- Her hair hung flat-iron straight down her back.
- It was styled flat-iron smooth.
American English
- Her hair was flatiron straight.
- The sheets were pressed flatiron smooth.
adjective
British English
- She achieved a flat-ironed finish.
- The flat-iron style is very popular.
American English
- She has that perfect flatironed look.
- He prefers a flatiron straight style.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
In retail, refers to the product category of hair styling appliances.
Academic
In historical studies, refers to the domestic tool for ironing clothes.
Everyday
Predominantly used to discuss hair care and styling routines.
Technical
In product specifications for hair care appliances, detailing plate material, temperature settings, etc.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “flatiron”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “flatiron”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “flatiron”
- Using 'flat iron' as a verb without context (e.g., 'I will flatiron' is less common than 'I will use a flatiron'). Confusing it with a clothes iron ('утюг').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
For the hair tool, it is commonly found as both 'flat iron' (two words) and 'flatiron' (one word), with the one-word version being very common, especially in product names and American English.
A flatiron has flat, rectangular plates designed to straighten and smooth hair. A curling iron has a barrel shape, often with a clamp, designed to create curls or waves.
The Flatiron Building in New York City is named for its distinctive triangular shape, which resembles the flat, wedge-shaped clothes irons used in the 19th century.
Yes, especially in American English (e.g., 'to flatiron one's hair'). It is less common but understood in British English, where 'to straighten' or 'to use straighteners on' is more frequent.
A small electrical appliance for straightening or smoothing hair using heated plates.
Flatiron is usually specialized (when referring to the hair tool or the historic iron); proper noun (when referring to the building). in register.
Flatiron: in British English it is pronounced /ˈflætaɪən/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈflætˌaɪərn/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Flatiron District (area in NYC)”
- “flatiron steak (a cut of beef)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a FLAT piece of IRON pressed flat to make hair flat. Or, the famous building looks like a flat, old-fashioned iron.
Conceptual Metaphor
TOOL FOR IMPOSING ORDER (making chaotic hair smooth and straight).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'flatiron' most likely to be used in contemporary British English?