Quick answer
A weir is a low dam across a river or stream. Weird is an adjective meaning strange or unsettling. Memory hook: weird has an extra d, so think of it as the word for anything odd, and keep weir for the water.
The core difference
A weir is a low river dam, whereas weird means strange or eerie.
- weir — a low dam across a river, or a fish-trapping fence: Salmon leap over the weir on their way upstream.
- weird — strange or unsettling: There was a weird smell coming from the fridge.
How to tell them apart
Weir is a noun that belongs to rivers and streams. Weird is an adjective, so it describes something. If you could put very or rather in front of the word, you want weird.
The words are easy to confuse because they sound close, and weird is famous for breaking the spelling rule about i before e. Weir is a rare word, so many people only meet it in place names and river walks. Watch for it when a sentence mentions water levels or fishing.
Frequently asked questions
What is a weir?
A weir is a low dam built across a river or stream to control the water level or flow.
Is weird spelled with ei or ie?
Weird uses ei, and it is one of the well-known exceptions to the i before e rule.
Where does weird come from?
It comes from Old English wyrd, meaning fate or destiny, and the sense of strange developed from that.
