Word of the day · 8 August 2026
wry
/raɪ/
adjective
Using or expressing dry, twisted or ironic humor; twisted out of shape.
In a sentence
- He answered with a wry shrug that ended the argument.
- The novel's wry narrator never lets triumph feel simple.
- A wry caption saved the otherwise solemn photo essay.
In an image
Origin
From Old English wrīgian (to turn, twist); related to awry.
History
The physical sense of twisted or askew came first. Figurative wry humor followed for remarks that turn expectation aside. Novelists and critics prize a wry tone that undercuts sentiment without loud jokes. A wry face still shows the older bodily meaning in plain sight.
Nearby words
ironic · dry · sardonic
A smile that bends instead of beams.