Ironing: meaning, definitions and examples

Refers to the general activity of removing wrinkles from clothes using an iron. It's commonly used in everyday conversation when talking about doing household chores.

• I spent the afternoon ironing my shirts.
• Ironing can be therapeutic for some people.

Often used in formal or professional contexts, especially in laundry services or fashion industries. It can also imply a more precise or thorough action than ironing.

• The suit needs pressing before the event.
• Professional pressing gives the clothes a crisp look.

Usually denotes the tool or appliance used for removing wrinkles. It can also refer to the act itself but more informally.

• I need to buy a new iron.
• Could you iron this dress for me?

Describes the action of smoothing out wrinkles from clothes using an iron. Commonly used when referring to the chore itself.

• She spent the afternoon ironing her work clothes.
• I need to do the ironing before the big meeting tomorrow.

Often used in a more professional or specific context, like with dry cleaners or in situations requiring precise techniques. It can also imply more delicate work compared to general ironing.

• The dry cleaner offers pressing services for suits and dresses.
• She took extra time pressing the pleats to make sure they were perfect.

Refers to the physical device used to smooth out wrinkles from clothing. Also used as a verb to describe the action of using this device.

• Make sure the iron is set to the right temperature for cotton.
• He likes to iron his shirts every morning before work.

Refers to the activity or job of using an iron to remove wrinkles from clothes.

• She spent the afternoon ironing her work clothes.
• I always find ironing to be quite a relaxing chore.

Refers to the action of using a press or iron to remove wrinkles, often implying a more professional or thorough process. It can sometimes be used in a negative connotation when referring to urgency and pressure in a non-literal sense.

• He took his suit to the dry cleaner for a professional pressing.
• She felt the pressing need to finish her assignment before the deadline.

Specifically denotes the appliance used to press clothes, as well as the act of using it.

• I need to buy a new iron because the old one stopped working.
• She irons her shirt every morning before heading to work.