- 1[uncountable, countable] the amusing or strange aspect of a situation that is very different from what you expect; a situation like this The irony is that when he finally got the job, he discovered he didn't like it. It was one of life's little ironies.
Definitions on the go
Look up any word in the dictionary offline, anytime, anywhere with the Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary app.
- 2[uncountable] the use of words that say the opposite of what you really mean, often as a joke and with a tone of voice that shows this “England is famous for its food,” she said with heavy irony. There was a note of irony in his voice. She said it without a hint/trace of irony.
Check pronunciation: irony