Illustration of iris
- iris 2
plural irises also irides
ˈī-rə-ˌdēz 
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
Examples of iris in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Paige Reddinger, Robb Report, 18 July 2025
Jacobsen translated four of Van Gogh’s floral paintings into three-dimensional metalwork creations depicting irises, roses, oleanders and imperial fritillaries.
—Madeline King, Kansas City Star, 24 June 2025
Birthright Israel, a cultural and educational program mainly for young Jewish adults, said in a statement that the visitors boarded the Crown iris, an Israeli cruise vessel, for a 13-hour voyage to Larnaca, Cyprus, in the Mediterranean Sea.
—David Lyons, Sun Sentinel, 17 June 2025
These invasive beetles were first found in the U.S. in the early 20th century, likely arriving as grubs in the soil of iris plants imported from Japan.
—Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 7 May 2025
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Noun
The iris, wisteria, and beetle are made from diamonds, white ceramic, aluminum, titanium, and white gold (the bud of the iris is paved with black spinels).
—Paige Reddinger, Robb Report, 18 July 2025
Jacobsen translated four of Van Gogh’s floral paintings into three-dimensional metalwork creations depicting irises, roses, oleanders and imperial fritillaries.
—Madeline King, Kansas City Star, 24 June 2025
Birthright Israel, a cultural and educational program mainly for young Jewish adults, said in a statement that the visitors boarded the Crown iris, an Israeli cruise vessel, for a 13-hour voyage to Larnaca, Cyprus, in the Mediterranean Sea.
—David Lyons, Sun Sentinel, 17 June 2025
These invasive beetles were first found in the U.S. in the early 20th century, likely arriving as grubs in the soil of iris plants imported from Japan.
—Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 7 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for iris
Cite this Entry
“Iris.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/iris. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
iris
noun
plural irises or irides
ˈī-rə-ˌdēz
ˈir-ə-
ˈir-ə-
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
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