1. the use of words to express something different from and often opposite to their literal meaning
Usage: literary device
2. a situation that is strange or funny because things happen in a way that seems the opposite of what you expected
Usage: situational irony
3. dramatic irony; when readers or audience members know something that characters do not
Usage: literary term

Examples

• His comment was full of irony when he called the terrible movie 'brilliant.'
• The irony of the situation was that the fire station burned down.
• It's ironic that she became a vegetarian after working at a steakhouse.
• The author used irony to criticize society's values.
• The dramatic irony in the play kept the audience engaged.
• There's a certain irony in a dentist having bad teeth.
• She spoke with heavy irony about her 'wonderful' day at work.