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

Her board was also padded, which reduced damage to fabrics and helped prevent garment creases during ironing, and it was collapsible, enabling easy storage.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 9, 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

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

From MarketWatch • Feb. 10, 2026

Richards developed a close bond with Milner but remembers getting the blame for the parody 'Boring James Milner' social media account, which mocked the player, often focusing on ironing, tea and trivial match details.

From BBC • Feb. 6, 2026

Mama puttered around doing whatever she usually did on Sundays: preparing her lesson plans, ironing a few shirts, running lots of water in the bathroom for some reason.

From "The Rock and the River" by Kekla Magoon

Related Words

• housekeeping
• sewing