iron out

In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.

Sense 1

Meaning · English

To remove (a crease or creases) with an iron.

Where it’s used: Used American English

Examples

That shirt still has a few more wrinkles to iron out.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).

Sense 2

Meaning · English

To make (something) flat or smooth as if with an iron.

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).

Sense 3

Meaning · English

To resolve (a dispute); to solve (a problem).

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “iron out” mean?

To remove (a crease or creases) with an iron.

Is “iron out” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.