noun plural. A building or establishment where iron is smelted or where heavy iron products are made.

noun. A factory in which iron is manufactured or iron goods are made

noun. the workplace where iron is smelted or where iron goods are made

"Thus in ironworks, and shipyards and dockyards trade becomes dull, almost comes to a standstill and men have to be discharged."

steelworks  

work  workplace  

Starr  bargeman  bindery  brickyard  composing-room