wire

word

/ˈwaɪɝ/
wy-ur
/wˈaɪə/
wy-uh

Definition

A wire is a thin piece of metal, often used for making, tying, or carrying electricity. It can also mean an electrical cable in everyday use.

Usage & Nuances

Common in both technical and everyday English. 'Wire' often means a single metal strand or electrical conductor, while 'cable' is usually thicker or contains several wires. Common collocations: 'electrical wire', 'barbed wire', 'wire fence', 'wire transfer'.

Example Sentences

He used a wire to hang the picture.

basic

Be careful not to touch that wire.

basic

The red wire goes to the battery.

basic

There must be a loose wire somewhere, because the light keeps flickering.

natural

We had to run a new wire through the wall for the internet.

natural

The dog got through the fence by squeezing under the wire.

natural