ironing

American  

[ahy-er-ning] / ˈaɪ ər nɪŋ /

noun

1. the act or process of smoothing or pressing clothes, linens, etc., with a heated iron.

2. articles of clothing or the like that have been or are to be ironed.

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ironing British  

/ ˈaɪənɪŋ /

noun

1. the act of ironing washed clothes

2. clothes that are to be or that have been ironed

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Etymology

Origin of ironing

First recorded in 1700–10; iron + -ing ¹

Example Sentences

My earliest job was for $2 an hour, ironing huge dresses in a rental wedding gown shop.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 7, 2026

Both are still ironing out the details of the agreement, with improved access to the European market for Australia's lamb and beef a key source of contention.

From Barron's • Mar. 23, 2026

But she admits the new law still needs "ironing out".

From BBC • Feb. 16, 2026

“We’re ironing out the last details of what we need to do for her,” said Scott, 57.

From MarketWatch • Feb. 10, 2026

I didn’t want to get there and not be fresh, especially after all that ironing.

From "The Boy in the Black Suit" by Jason Reynolds

Related Words

• housekeeping
• sewing