iron out

verb

ironed out; ironing out; irons out

transitive verb

1
: to make smooth or flat by or as if by pressing
2
: to resolve or work out a solution to
ironed out their differences

Examples of iron out in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Discussions have so far been informal with much to be ironed out. Tristan Lavalette, Forbes.com, 14 Apr. 2025 There will be some kinks to iron out in TGL’s 2026 season: The person in charge of the playlist should apparently be one of them. Gabby Herzig, New York Times, 26 Mar. 2025 House Republicans have spoken optimistically about enacting President Trump’s ambitious tax agenda with details still to be ironed out by next month. Alexis Simendinger, The Hill, 24 Mar. 2025 But specific policy distinctions are things to be ironed out in the executive office. New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 1 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for iron out

Word History

First Known Use

1753, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of iron out was in 1753

Cite this Entry

“Iron out.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/iron%20out. Accessed 23 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

iron out

verb
1
: to make smooth or flat by or as if by ironing
2
: to work out a solution to
ironed out their differences

More from Merriam-Webster on iron out

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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