The Fe-doped tetra-needle like ZnO whiskers (T-ZnOw) were prepared with different loadings of Fe(3+) by a solid solution process. The structures and magnetic properties of the samples were characterized by using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) magnetometer, respectively. The results indicate that Fe(3+) ions are successfully doped into the crystal lattice of T-ZnOw matrix. The second phase of ZnFe(2)O(4) is formed by heavy doping of Fe(3+) ions, and the solid solubility limit of Fe(3+) in T-ZnOw crystal is about 0.7 mol%. The magnetic properties reveal that some of the Fe-doped TZnOw exhibits room-temperature Ferromagnetic behaviors. The room-temperature ferromagnetism in the Fe-doped T-ZnOw system is ascribed to be originated from the change of the electronic states of ZnOw caused by irons doping. (C) 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.