wire
weye-uh
Wire (noun) means a thin, flexible strand of metal, used to carry electricity or for fastening, fencing, and similar purposes. Example: “A loose wire was causing the lamp to flicker.”
noun
1
A thin, flexible strand of metal, used to carry electricity or for fastening, fencing, and similar purposes.
"A loose wire was causing the lamp to flicker."
"The fence was held up with a few strands of wire."
"He used a piece of wire to hang the picture on the wall."
verb
1
To connect something using wires, especially for electricity.
"An electrician wired the new kitchen."
"We wired the garden shed so we could use a heater in winter."
"It took the team a day to wire the whole building."
2
To send money electronically from one account to another.
"She wired the deposit to the landlord that afternoon."
"Could you wire the money to my account before Friday?"
"My parents wired some cash to help me pay the rent."
3
Informal: to secretly fit someone or something with a hidden microphone.
"The informant agreed to wire himself before the meeting."
"In the film, the detective wires her partner before the secret meeting."
"They decided to wire the room to record the conversation."
How to use wire
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA thin metal strand — or, as a verb, to connect with wires, or to send money electronically.
Common mistake
In finance, "wire" as a verb (to wire money) is common in American English; British English more often says "transfer."
Common pairings
wire money
wire transfer
live wire
wire a house
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Word forms
- Third person singular
- wires
- Past tense
- wired
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
A loose _____ was causing the lamp to flicker.
Etymology
From Old English wīr, "metal thread," from a Proto-Indo-European root meaning "to twist or turn."
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
unwire
Related words
Rhymes for wire
See all rhymes for wire →Frequently asked questions
What does “wire” mean?
The word “wire” means a thin, flexible strand of metal, used to carry electricity or for fastening, fencing, and similar purposes. In plain terms, a thin metal strand — or, as a verb, to connect with wires, or to send money electronically.
How do you pronounce “wire”?
“Wire” is pronounced weye-uh (/ˈwaɪɚ/ in IPA).
How do you use “wire” in a sentence?
Here is “wire” used in a sentence: “A loose wire was causing the lamp to flicker.”
What is another word for “wire”?
Words with a similar meaning to “wire” include telegraph.
What is the opposite of “wire”?
The opposite of “wire” — its antonyms — is unwire.
What part of speech is “wire”?
Depending on how it is used, “wire” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “wire” come from?
The word “wire” comes from Old English. From Old English wīr, "metal thread," from a Proto-Indo-European root meaning "to twist or turn.".
Is “wire” a common word?
“Wire” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
What is the difference between wire and cable?
A wire is a single, thin strand of metal that conducts electricity or provides fastening. A cable is usually two or more wires bundled together inside protective insulation. In short, a wire is one conductor, while a cable is a group of them working as a unit, though people often use the words loosely.
What are the different types of wire?
Wire is classified in several ways. By material, common types include copper, aluminium, and steel. By construction, it can be solid (one strand) or stranded (many thin strands twisted together). By use, there's electrical wire, fencing and barbed wire, jewellery wire, and welding wire, among many others.
What is wire made of?
Most wire is made from metal drawn out into a thin, flexible strand. Copper is the most common for electrical uses because it conducts electricity so well, while aluminium is a lighter, cheaper alternative. Steel and iron are chosen where strength matters, such as fencing, springs, and load-bearing cables.
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