iris

1 of 3

noun (1)

ˈī-rəs How to pronounce iris (audio)
plural irises also irides ˈī-rə-ˌdēz How to pronounce iris (audio)
ˈir-ə-
1
a
: the opaque contractile diaphragm perforated by the pupil and forming the colored portion of the eye see eye illustration
b
: iris diaphragm
also : a similar device with a circular opening that can be varied in size
2
also plural iris : any of a large genus (Iris of the family Iridaceae, the iris family) of perennial herbaceous plants with linear usually basal leaves and large showy flowers
3
: rainbow

Illustration of iris

Illustration of iris
  • iris 2

iris

2 of 3

verb

irised; irising; irises

transitive verb

: to make iridescent

Iris

3 of 3

noun (2)

ˈī-rəs How to pronounce Iris (audio)
: the Greek goddess of the rainbow and a messenger of the gods

Examples of iris in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
The foliage is lovely throughout the summer and acts like a green shrub backdrop to irises, poppies, roses, and alliums. — Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 9 Mar. 2025 Its laundry list of white floral notes is extensive—Egyptian geranium, Comoran Ylang Ylang, iris, and two varieties of jasmine, to name a few—but creamy tuberose is the namesake and star here. — Marci Robin, Allure, 27 Feb. 2025 Fitting for a dazzling shooting star, this has a similar ethereal quality to it—fresh cherry blossom accord opposing iris, heliotrope, and musk linger brightly on the the skin. — Kiana Murden, Vogue, 11 Feb. 2025 As time passes, storms roll in, creating an ever-closing iris that ratchets up the tension as combatants are continually forced into tighter quarters. — Christopher Cruz, Rolling Stone, 22 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for iris

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

Middle English, "iris of the eye, the plant Iris germanica," borrowed from Latin īrid-, īris "rainbow, the plant Iris pallida or related species," borrowed from Greek īrid-, îris "rainbow, iridescent halo around the moon, a flame, etc., iris of the eye, the plant Iris pallida or related species," going back to *wīrid-, *wīris, of uncertain origin

Note: Traditionally, Greek îris "rainbow" (for which an original digamma [letter representing the sound w] is assured by an inscription from Corinth and the metrics of epic poetry) has been regarded as a derivative of Indo-European *u̯ei̯H- "plait, wrap," parallel to Germanic *wīr- (see wire entry 1). However, the variant éris recorded by the Greek lexicographer Hesychius, as well as the dubious character of *wīrid- as an Indo-European formation (< *u̯ih1-r-i-?) has drawn this etymology into question. Perhaps a substratal word.

Noun (2)

Latin, from Greek

First Known Use

Noun (1)

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 3

Verb

1816, in the meaning defined above

Noun (2)

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of iris was in the 15th century

Phrases Containing iris

Rhymes for iris

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Browse Nearby Words

iris
Iris
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Cite this Entry

“Iris.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/iris. Accessed 20 Mar. 2025.

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Kids Definition

iris

noun
ˈī-rəs
plural irises
-rə-səz
 or irides
ˈī-rə-ˌdēz,
ˈir-ə-
1
: the colored part around the pupil of the eye that changes in size to control the amount of light entering the pupil
2
also plural iris : any of a large genus of plants with long pointed leaves and large usually brightly colored flowers
3
: iris diaphragm

Medical Definition

iris

noun
ˈī-rəs How to pronounce iris (audio)
plural irises or irides ˈī-rə-ˌdēz How to pronounce iris (audio) ˈir-ə- How to pronounce iris (audio)
1
: the opaque muscular contractile diaphragm that is suspended in the aqueous humor in front of the lens of the eye, is perforated by the pupil and is continuous peripherally with the ciliary body, has a deeply pigmented posterior surface which excludes the entrance of light except through the pupil and a colored anterior surface which determines the color of the eyes
2
: iris diaphragm

More from Merriam-Webster on iris

Nglish: Translation of iris for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about iris

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