A1 noun Neutral #2,625 most common

wire

/ˈwaɪər/

A wire is a thin, flexible thread of metal. It is commonly used to carry electricity between devices or to fasten objects together.

Examples

3 of 5
1

The lamp stopped working because the wire was broken.

The lamp stopped working because the metal thread was broken.

2

The technician replaced the damaged wire in the server room.

The technician changed the broken electrical thread in the computer room.

3

Do you have a wire I can use to hang this picture?

Do you have a thin metal string to hang this picture?

Word Family

Noun
wire
Verb
wire
Adjective
wiry
Related
wiring
💡

Memory Tip

Imagine the letter 'W' made out of a thin, bendy piece of metal.

Quick Quiz

The electrician is fixing the ___ in the kitchen walls.

Correct!

The correct answer is: wire

Examples

1

The lamp stopped working because the wire was broken.

everyday

The lamp stopped working because the metal thread was broken.

2

The technician replaced the damaged wire in the server room.

formal

The technician changed the broken electrical thread in the computer room.

3

Do you have a wire I can use to hang this picture?

informal

Do you have a thin metal string to hang this picture?

4

Copper wire is frequently used in scientific experiments due to its conductivity.

academic

Thin copper metal is used in science because electricity moves through it easily.

5

We will send the funds to your account via wire transfer today.

business

We will send the money to your account electronically today.

Word Family

Noun
wire
Verb
wire
Adjective
wiry
Related
wiring

Common Collocations

electric wire a wire that carries electricity
copper wire a wire made of copper metal
barbed wire sharp wire used for fences
wire fence a fence made of metal wires
extension wire a wire used to reach a far socket

Common Phrases

down to the wire

until the very last minute

under the wire

just in time

live wire

an energetic person or a wire with electricity

Often Confused With

wire vs cable

A cable is usually a thick bundle of many wires inside a protective cover.

wire vs string

String is made of fiber or fabric, while wire is always made of metal.

📝

Usage Notes

Use 'wire' when talking about the individual metal strands or the material itself. When talking about the cords for your computer or TV, 'cable' is also very common.

⚠️

Common Mistakes

Learners often use 'wire' for 'string' when tying a package; remember that 'wire' must be metal.

💡

Memory Tip

Imagine the letter 'W' made out of a thin, bendy piece of metal.

📖

Word Origin

From the Old English 'wir', meaning a metal thread, originating from a root meaning 'to twist'.

Grammar Patterns

countable noun (one wire, two wires) often used as an uncountable material noun can be used as a verb meaning to install wires
🌍

Cultural Context

In many English-speaking countries, 'wire' is a common term for sending money electronically through a bank (wire transfer).

Quick Quiz

The electrician is fixing the ___ in the kitchen walls.

Correct!

The correct answer is: wire

More Home words

dining room

A1

A specific room in a house or building used primarily for eating meals. It usually contains a large table and several chairs for family members and guests.

garage

A1

A garage is a building or a part of a house where you keep cars or other vehicles to protect them. It can also be a place where a mechanic repairs cars or where people sell fuel.

basement

A1

A basement is the lowest floor of a building, usually located partly or completely underground. It is commonly used for storage, laundry, or as an extra living space in a home.

balcony

A1

A balcony is an outdoor platform that is attached to the upper floor of a building. It is usually surrounded by a low wall or railing for safety and is used for sitting or looking at the view.

porch

A1

A porch is a covered structure attached to the entrance of a building. It typically has a roof and serves as a space to sit outside while being protected from rain or direct sun.

drawer

A1

A drawer is a sliding, box-shaped container that is part of a piece of furniture like a desk or a dresser. It is used to store things like clothes, papers, or tools and can be pulled out to reach what is inside.

fridge

A1

A fridge is a large kitchen appliance used to keep food and drinks cold so they stay fresh for longer. It is the shortened, most common name for a refrigerator used in daily life.

stove

A1

A stove is a large piece of kitchen equipment used for cooking food. It provides heat through burners on the top or an enclosed space called an oven.

microwave

A1

A microwave is a common kitchen appliance used to cook or heat food very quickly using electromagnetic waves. It is mostly used for reheating leftovers, defrosting frozen items, or making quick meals.

washing machine

A1

A washing machine is a large household appliance used to wash clothes, towels, and linens automatically. It uses water, detergent, and mechanical action to clean fabrics during different timed cycles.

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