What is wire? Pronunciation and usage in English

wire means . Learn how to pronounce and use wire through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of wire

wirenoun

/ˈwʌɪə/
Definition & pronunciation of wire

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "wire" in English. There are a couple of common pronunciations, and both are generally accepted!

Here's the most common pronunciation (and the one I'd recommend):

  • ˈwaɪər (rhymes with "buyer" or "lie-er")

    • ˈwaɪ: This part is pronounced like the "my" in "mystery." It's a short, quick "i" sound.
    • ər: This is a schwa sound, which is a very relaxed, unstressed vowel sound. It's like the "a" in "about" or "so."

Here's a less common, but still acceptable pronunciation:

  • ˈwaɪr (rhymes with "tire")

    • ˈwaɪ: Same as above - the short "i" sound.
    • r: A clear "r" sound.

Tips for getting it right:

To help me tailor my explanation even further, would you like me to:

  • Tell you how it sounds in a specific accent (e.g., American, British)?

Usage and examples with the word wire in English

Let's break down how to use the word "wire" in English. It's a surprisingly versatile word with a few different meanings! Here's a breakdown, categorized for clarity:

1. As a Noun (Physical – Electrical & Construction):

  • Electrical Wire: This is the most common meaning. It refers to a strand or group of strands of conductive material (usually metal, like copper) used to carry electricity.
    • Example: "I need to buy some wire to fix the Christmas lights."
    • Example: "The electrician replaced the frayed wire in the wall."
  • Construction Wire (Barbed Wire, Cable Wire): It can also refer to materials used in building and fencing.
    • Example: "He used wire to create a fence around the garden." (Barbed wire)
    • Example: "The construction crew strung wire across the beam." (Cable wire)

2. As a Noun (Figurative – Related to Communication & Nervousness):

  • A Rush of Ideas/Thoughts (“To Wire”): This describes a sudden influx of thoughts or ideas.
    • Example: "I was completely wired after drinking too much coffee." (Feeling energized and slightly frantic)
    • Example: “She was wired with excitement about the upcoming trip.”
  • A Wiretap: A device used to intercept telephone conversations. (More formal)
    • Example: "The police obtained a wiretap to listen in on the suspect's calls."
  • A Nervous Feeling (“To Be Wired”): Used to describe feeling anxious, tense, or on edge.
    • Example: "I was wired with nerves before the presentation."

3. As a Verb (Less Common, but Important):

  • To Connect with Wires: To attach something to an electrical circuit.
    • Example: "He wired the lamp to the power outlet."
  • To Send a Message Quickly (Informal): Although becoming less common, it can still mean to send a message (usually electronically) very fast. (Think "email" or "text".)
    • Example: "I wired him the directions to the meeting." (More casual - “I texted him the directions.”) - This usage is declining in favor of other verbs like "sent" or "message”.

4. As an Adjective (Rare):

  • Wire-haired: Describing a dog breed with a wiry or rough coat.
    • Example: "The Scottish Terrier is a wire-haired breed."

Here's a table summarizing the different uses:

Part of Speech Meaning Example
Noun (Physical) Electrical Conductor “Use copper wire for the wiring.”
Noun (Physical) Construction Material “The fence used wire fencing.”
Noun (Figurative) Rush of Ideas “I felt completely wired after the news.”
Noun (Figurative) Nervousness “She was wired with anticipation.”
Verb Connect with Wires “Wire the appliance to the power.”
Verb Send a message (Informal) “I wired him the details.”
Adjective Wiry coat (dog breed) “The wire-haired pointer is a hunting dog.”

Tips for Using “Wire” Correctly:

  • Context is key: Pay attention to the surrounding words to understand which meaning is intended.
  • Figurative vs. Literal: Be aware that “wire” can have very different meanings depending on whether it's referring to a physical object or a feeling or idea.
  • Slang: “Wired” as an adjective (meaning energetic) is very common in casual conversation.

To help me give you even more tailored advice, could you tell me:

  • What are you trying to use the word "wire" in? (e.g., a sentence, a story, a conversation?)

Synonyms for the word wire

Idioms of the word wire

get your wires crossed
(informal)to become confused about what somebody has said to you so that you think they meant something else
  • We seem to have got our wires crossed. I thought you were coming on Tuesday.
go, come, etc. (right) down to the wire
(informal)if you say that a situation goes down to the wire, you mean that the result will not be decided or known until the very end
    a live wire
    a person who is lively and full of energy
      pull wires
      (informal)to use your influence in order to get an advantage for somebody
        under the wire
        (informal, especially North American English)at the last possible opportunity; just in time
        • The files arrived just under the wire and we made the deadline.
        • We got in under the wire.

        Practice with vocabulary wire

        Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

        1. The exposed electrical ______ needs immediate insulation to prevent short circuits.
        2. Before the network upgrade, all old data ______ must be replaced with new fiber optic lines.
        3. Please ensure the power ______ for the projector is securely plugged into the outlet.
        4. The financial analyst was tasked with untangling the complex web of interdepartmental communication ______.

        Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

        1. Which of these terms can refer to a slender strand of metal used to conduct electricity or transmit signals? a) Conduit b) Filament c) Wire d) Rod

        2. In a technical context, which of the following actions might you perform when setting up an electrical system or network? a) To insulate b) To wire c) To fuse d) To ground

        3. Which of the following can serve as a medium for transmitting data in a physical network infrastructure? a) Protocol b) Spectrum c) Wire d) Cable e) Fiber optic

        4. When discussing the flow of electricity, which term refers to the rate at which electric charge passes a point? a) Voltage b) Current c) Resistance d) Power

        5. What is a common term for a flexible, insulated conductor used to supply power to portable electrical appliances? a) Line b) Cord c) Cable d) Filament

        Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

        1. Original: The communication cables running through the building were old and causing network issues. Rewrite using a form of "wire":
        2. Original: It is essential to link the new sensor to the central control unit. Rewrite using the verb "wire":
        3. Original: The complex system of connected pathways inside the computer transmits all data. Rewrite without using "wire" or related forms:

        Answer:

        Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

        1. wire
        2. wire
        3. cord
        4. channels

        Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

        1. c) Wire
        2. a) To insulate, b) To wire, d) To ground
        3. c) Wire, d) Cable, e) Fiber optic
        4. b) Current
        5. b) Cord, c) Cable

        Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

        1. The building's outdated wiring was causing significant network issues.
        2. It is essential to wire the new sensor to the central control unit.
        3. The computer's intricate internal circuitry transmits all data.

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