How to Pronounce Irony

To pronounce "irony", say IR-ony — 2 syllables, IPA /ˈaɪə.ɹən.i/. Tap play below to hear it in four English accents, or practice it syllable by syllable.

irony

Tap to hear · American accent

Accent

If an accent sounds the same, your device is missing that voice — it falls back to the closest one.

Speed

Syllable by syllable — tap each one

Practice: Record & Compare

Record yourself saying irony, then compare with the target. Your audio stays on this device — nothing is uploaded.

2

Syllables

5

Letters

/ˈaɪə.ɹən.i/

IPA

💡 Tip for remembering “irony”

"irony" has 2 syllables: ir-ony.

What does irony mean?

noun

  1. A statement that, when taken in context, may actually mean something different from, or the opposite of, what is written literally; the use of words expressing something other than their literal intention, often in a humorous context.
  2. Dramatic irony: a theatrical effect in which the meaning of a situation, or some incongruity in the plot, is understood by the audience, but not by the characters in the play.

Hear “irony” in real sentences

Real example sentences from Tatoeba (CC-BY) — tap to hear each one, or see it used on YouGlish.

Related words

satiresarcasmparadoxtravestyhumorsarcastichumourmockery

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "irony"?▾

"Irony" has 2 syllables: ir · ony.

What is the IPA transcription of "irony"?▾

The IPA transcription of "irony" is /ˈaɪə.ɹən.i/.

What does "irony" mean?▾

Irony: A statement that, when taken in context, may actually mean something different from, or the opposite of, what is written literally; the use of words expressing something other than their literal intention, often in a humorous context.

Want the definition, translations into 8 languages, and read-aloud for full sentences?

Open “irony” in the full dictionary →