wry

1 of 2

verb

ˈrī 

wried; wrying

intransitive verb

: twist, writhe

transitive verb

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

wry

2 of 2

adjective

wryer ˈrī(-ə)r  ; wryest ˈrī-əst 

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

3

: wrongheaded sense 1

4

: cleverly and often ironically or grimly humorous

a wry wit

wryly

ˈrī-lē 

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

Slow Horses, Apple TV’s wry cult spy series, isn’t planning on, well, slowing down anytime soon. — Trey Williams, HollywoodReporter, 13 Aug. 2026

Romano’s wry, hangdog default demeanor suits his character, Joe, a father of two who’s separated from his wife (Penelope Ann Miller) and living in a depressing motel. — Judy Berman, Time, 11 Aug. 2026

From Melikova’s intimate prose and local industry connections arises an essential sensory texture of national belonging, alongside a moral register sharp enough to carry a critical charge and light enough to keep it wry. — Sonya Vseliubska, IndieWire, 7 Aug. 2026

Neill Blomkamp has yet to top District 9, but this one comes closest to matching his debut’s wry social commentary and borderline-comedic grotesqueries. — Declan Gallagher, Entertainment Weekly, 7 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Verb

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

Verb

14th century, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense

Adjective

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for wry

• ai
• aye
• bae
• bi
• buy
• by
• bye
• chai
• chi
• cry
• die
• dry

Kids Definition

wry

adjective

ˈrī

wryer

ˈrī(-ə)r

; wryest

ˈrī-əst

1

: bent, twisted, or turned usually abnormally to one side

a wry nose

2

a

: expressing irony

a wry smile

b

: cleverly humorous

a wry remark

wryly adverb

wryness noun