wry

¹wry

verb \ˈrī\

wriedwry·ing

Definition of WRY

intransitive verb

: twist, writhe

transitive verb

: to pull out of or as if out of proper shape : make awry

Origin of WRY

Middle English wrien, from Old English wrigian to turn; akin to Middle High German rigel kerchief wound around the head, Greek rhiknos shriveled, Avestan urvisyeiti he turns

First Known Use: 14th century

Rhymes with WRY

ay, aye, bi, Bligh, buy, by, bye, chai, chi, cry, die, dry, dye, eye, fie, fly, fry, guy, hie, high, Huai, i, I, lie, lye, my, nigh, phi, pi, pie, ply, pry, psi, rye, scythe, shy, sigh, sky, Skye, sly, spry, spy, sty, Tai, Thai, thigh, thy, tie, try, vie, why, wye, xi, Y

²wry

adjective

wry·er \ˈrī(-ə)r\ wry·est \ˈrī-əst\

Definition of WRY

1

: having a bent or twisted shape or condition <a wry smile>; also : turned abnormally to one side <a wry neck>

2

: wrongheaded 1

3

: cleverly and often ironically or grimly humorous

— wry·ly \ˈrī-lē\ adverb

— wry·ness noun

Examples of WRY

1. His books are noted for their wry humor.
2. When I asked her how she felt after winning the race, she gave me a wry smile and said, “Pretty tired.”

First Known Use of WRY

15th century