wry — using or expressing dry, especially mocking, humor
Part of speech: ADJECTIVE
Definition: using or expressing dry, especially mocking, humor
Pronunciation (IPA): /raɪ/
Example Sentences
- He made a wry joke about his cooking skills after burning dinner for the third time this week.
- The comedian's wry observations about modern life had the audience laughing and thinking at the same time.
- With wry amusement, she watched her cat ignore the expensive toy and play with the cardboard box instead.
wry
ADJECTIVE[/raɪ/]
using or expressing dry, especially mocking, humor

using or expressing dry, especially mocking, humor
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
From Middle English 'wry' or 'wrie', derived from Old English 'wrīgian' meaning 'to turn' or 'to twist'. The word originally referred to something physically twisted or bent, and later evolved to describe twisted or ironic humor.
Breakdown
wry (from Old English wrīgian meaning 'to turn/twist') - a simple, non-compound word where the physical sense of 'twisted' metaphorically extended to mean 'twisted humor' or 'ironic'
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“He made a wry joke about his cooking skills after burning dinner for the third time this week.”
“The comedian's wry observations about modern life had the audience laughing and thinking at the same time.”
“With wry amusement, she watched her cat ignore the expensive toy and play with the cardboard box instead.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
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