wrought

1 of 2

past tense and past participle of work

wrought

2 of 2

adjective

1
: worked into shape by artistry or effort
carefully wrought essays
2
: elaborately embellished : ornamented
3
: processed for use : manufactured
wrought silk
4
: beaten into shape by tools : hammered
used of metals
5
: deeply stirred : excited
often used with up
gets easily wrought up over nothing

Did you know?

The Uses of Wrought

Wrought may function as the past or the past participle form of the verb work. While not as common as it once was, this past-tense form still is encountered in such combinations as "wrought havoc." Since "wreak havoc" is also a familiar pairing, many people assume that wrought is the past tense of wreak, but the two are actually distinct. Although it still exists as a verb, wrought is more often used today as an adjective, a role in which it has a number of meanings. Most of these are found referring to things or materials which have been in some way worked by people (as in wrought iron or "carefully wrought prose"), but one sense ("deeply stirred") is typically used in describing emotions. When employed in this sense, wrought is often found paired with up (as in "he found himself wrought up over the news").

Examples of wrought in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Adjective
But past a gated courtyard entryway, the five-bedroom, 6.5-bath stunner offers decorative tilework throughout, a wrought iron staircase, lustrous hardwood floors stained a deep brown, arched doorways, and antique French paned windows throughout. James McClain, Robb Report, 25 Nov. 2023 The Trellis chandelier, made from wrought iron, was finished in the soft brass patina called Cupertino. Vicki Payne, Charlotte Observer, 31 Jan. 2024 Add a touch of drama and mystery to your space with wrought iron furniture like benches, tables, and chairs with intricate designs. Christianna Silva, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 Jan. 2024 The haunting moment, in which a distraught Brian briefly imagines his son next to him only to wake up to heartbreaking reality, unfolds in-camera via careful reframing while also showcasing Kinnaman’s subtly wrought performance. Jen Yamato, Los Angeles Times, 30 Nov. 2023 This just-the-essentials set is much (much) cheaper than the other best fireplace tools, while still made of durable wrought iron. Nor'adila Hepburn, Better Homes & Gardens, 13 Oct. 2023 Sprawling plumerias, a prickly pear cactus and a gorgeous crown of thorns stood next to a wrought iron fence. Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 31 Aug. 2023 Guests are immediately transported into the world of Tiana and the French Quarter upon stepping into the plaza, which is resplendent with wrought iron railings and charming yellow and green awnings. Esther Carlstone, Parents, 12 Sep. 2023 Coved ceilings in the step-down fireside library/den and in the formal dining room add sensual curves matched in the decorative wrought iron railings featured both within the house and outside along a second-floor balcony. Mark David, Robb Report, 10 Aug. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'wrought.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Middle English, from past participle of worken to work

First Known Use

Adjective

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of wrought was in the 13th century

Dictionary Entries Near wrought

Cite this Entry

“Wrought.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/wrought. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

wrought

1 of 2

past and past participle of work

wrought

2 of 2 adjective
1
: worked into shape by skill or effort
a carefully wrought report
2
: decorated with fancy designs
3
: beaten into shape by tools : hammered
wrought metals
4
: very excited
gets wrought up over nothing

More from Merriam-Webster on wrought

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!