wry
verb
\ ˈrī
\
\
wried;
wrying
Definition of wry
(Entry 1 of 2)
: to pull out of or as if out of proper shape : make awry
wry
adjective
wryer\ ˈrī(-ə)r
\;
wryest\ ˈrī-əst
\
\;
wryest\ ˈrī-əst
\
Definition of wry (Entry 2 of 2)
1
: bent, twisted, or turned usually abnormally to one side
a wry nose
2
: made by a deliberate distortion of the facial muscles often to express irony or mockery
a wry smile
4
: cleverly and often ironically or grimly humorous
a wry wit
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Other Words from wry
Adjective
wryly
\ ˈrī-lē
\
adverb
\
adverb
wryness
noun
Examples of wry in a Sentence
Adjective
His books are noted for their wry humor. When I asked her how she felt after winning the race, she gave me a wry smile and said, “Pretty tired.”Recent Examples on the Web: Adjective
But the wry singer had more earthbound matters on his mind. — San Diego Union-Tribune, "Review: Rolling Stones rock Rose Bowl as NASA announces ‘Rolling Stones Rock’ on Mars," 23 Aug. 2019 Either way, Packlick, known for her own expert and wry-humored collages, was thrilled. — Molly Glentzer, Houston Chronicle, "What Mick Jagger bought at the Menil," 16 Aug. 2019 Some welcome wry banter between the house's head cook (Yvonne De Bray) and its always-hungry math teacher (Suzanne Dehelly) leavens the hormonal intensity while also confirming that the drama isn't all in Olivia's head. — John Defore, The Hollywood Reporter, "'Olivia': Film Review," 15 Aug. 2019 His own wry persona never overshadows the voices of past and present inhabitants. — The Economist, "Telling Britain’s story from its “ocean-gouged fringe”," 11 July 2019 The whole thing is a wry joke on self-obsession and navel gazing: A New Yorker’s world begins and ends in New York. — Siddhartha Mukherjee, New York Times, "The Search for Cancer Treatment Beyond Mutant-Hunting," 13 June 2018 That sort of wry humor is what Derry Girls is all about. — Noel Murray, The Verge, "Why Netflix’s Derry Girls is the perfect show to stream this weekend," 2 Aug. 2019 Carlos Fierro glanced toward the field at Avaya Stadium and flashed a wry smile. — Nick Eilerson, SFChronicle.com, "Revitalized San Jose Earthquakes ride MLS’ surging wave of Latin American talent," 2 Aug. 2019 Despite Ginzburg’s wry observational humor, the mood grows increasingly melancholy. — Lidija Haas, Harper's magazine, "New Books," 10 June 2019These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'wry.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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More Definitions for wry
wry
adjectiveEnglish Language Learners Definition of wry
: humorous in a clever and often ironic way
: showing both amusement and a feeling of being tired, annoyed, etc.
See the full definition for wry in the English Language Learners Dictionary
wry
adjective
\ ˈrī
\
\
wryer;
wryest
Kids Definition of wry
1
: funny in a clever or ironic way
a wry remark
2
: expressing irony
a wry smile
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