Ironman

Origin

From iron + man.

Alternative forms

• iron man

Full definition of ironman

Noun

1. An extremely tough and strong athlete, especially one who competes in extreme athletic competitions or in a large number of games consecutively.
2. (Australia) A form of surf lifesaving competition which combines swimming, board paddling, ski paddling and running.
• 2011, Katrina Marie Russell, Youth Sport in Australia, %22ironmen%22|%22ironmans%22+-intitle:%22%22+-inauthor:%22%22&hl=en&sa=X&ei=Qx-MT7rIO4SciAfTwuDICQ&redir_esc=y#v=onepage&q=%22ironman%22|%22ironmen%22|%22ironmans%22%20-intitle%3A%22%22%20-inauthor%3A%22%22&f=false page 153,The catalyst for this rift was the ironman, a multi-discipline sport combining swimming, running, surf-skis and paddle-boards.Introduced to Australia in 1965 by touring American lifeguards, the ironman is a test of stamina, strength, and diverse skill.
3. (Australia, by extension) The winner of such an event.
4. An extreme form of triathlon, expecially one organised by the World Triathlon Corporation that comprises a 2.4 mile swim, a 112 mile bike race and a marathon run.
• 2007, July 21, Aimee Berg, Far-From-Basic Training for a 135-Mile Footrace, “Every sense of your body is taken over by the climate,” said the New York City native Christopher Bergland, who set a record at triple ironmans (7.2-mile swim, 336-mile bike, 78.6-mile run) but failed to finish one of his three Badwater races.

Usage notes

The plural ironmen pertains to the athlete; ironmans pertains to the event.

Coordinate terms

• ironwoman