VocabDictionary

wire

/ˈwaɪər/beginner Level

English Meaning & Definitions

1.noun

A thin, flexible thread or rod of metal, typically used for carrying electrical current or for binding objects together.

Example Sentences:
  • The electrician stripped the plastic coating off the copper wire.
  • The fence was made of barbed wire to keep the livestock contained.
2.verb

To install electrical circuits or wires in a building, vehicle, or device.

Example Sentences:
  • It is dangerous to try to wire the house yourself if you are not a professional.
  • The technician had to wire the new sound system into the existing speakers.
3.verb

To send money electronically from one bank account to another.

Example Sentences:
  • I will wire the funds to your account by the end of the business day.
  • He had to wire money home to cover his emergency expenses.
Share & Learn With Friends

Share “wire” with study groups, classmates, or on your social channels.

English Synonyms & Near Equivalents

English Antonyms & Opposites

Comprehensive Thesaurus Breakdown

Compare formal, informal, literary synonyms and register nuances for “wire”.

Thesaurus Entry
Cultural Origin & Etymology

Derived from the Old English 'wīr', meaning a metal thread or rod, originating from the Proto-Germanic '*wīraz'. It is cognate with Old Norse 'vīr' and Middle Low German 'wīr'. Historically, it referred specifically to drawn metal, but expanded in the 19th century to include telegraphic communication and later electrical conduction.

Memory Aid & Mnemonic

Think of a 'wire' as a 'W'oven 'I'ron 'R'ope 'E'xtension.

Common Collocations & Phrases
Rhyming Words

Frequently Asked Questions About “wire

1. What is the meaning of “wire” in English?

In English, wire (noun) is defined as: “A thin, flexible thread or rod of metal, typically used for carrying electrical current or for binding objects together.”.

2. How do you use “wire” in a sentence?

The electrician stripped the plastic coating off the copper wire.

3. What are English synonyms of “wire”?

Common synonyms include:cable,conductor,filament,strand

4. What is the etymology and word origin of “wire”?

Derived from the Old English 'wīr', meaning a metal thread or rod, originating from the Proto-Germanic '*wīraz'. It is cognate with Old Norse 'vīr' and Middle Low German 'wīr'. Historically, it referred specifically to drawn metal, but expanded in the 19th century to include telegraphic communication and later electrical conduction.