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
Lindsay Curtis, Health, 27 July 2025
African iris, agapanthus, amaryllis, bulbine, canna, crinum, day lily, gladiolus, gloriosa lily, kaffir lily, Louisiana iris, society garlic, rain lily and walking iris
Vegetable and fruit care
7.
—Tom MacCubbin, The Orlando Sentinel, 26 July 2025
The Ourika Community Gardens are now home to some 300 species including iris, jasmine, cacti, pomegranate and figs.
—Stephanie Hirschmiller, Forbes.com, 16 June 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for iris
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 machine releases a quick puff of air that slightly flattens your cornea, the clear part in front of your pupil and iris.
—Lindsay Curtis, Health, 27 July 2025
African iris, agapanthus, amaryllis, bulbine, canna, crinum, day lily, gladiolus, gloriosa lily, kaffir lily, Louisiana iris, society garlic, rain lily and walking iris
Vegetable and fruit care
7.
—Tom MacCubbin, The Orlando Sentinel, 26 July 2025
The Ourika Community Gardens are now home to some 300 species including iris, jasmine, cacti, pomegranate and figs.
—Stephanie Hirschmiller, Forbes.com, 16 June 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for iris
Cite this Entry
“Iris.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/iris. Accessed 7 Aug. 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share