wire
B1Neutral
Definition
Meaning
A long, thin, flexible piece of metal used for conducting electricity or for making structures.
Used metaphorically for communication systems (e.g., "wire transfer"), electronic listening devices, or the final stage in a race/tension ("down to the wire").
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
In core meaning, countable for individual strands, uncountable for material. In extended meanings, often part of fixed phrases or idioms.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In US, "wire" often refers specifically to electrical wire; in UK, may also refer to fencing wire or telephone wire more readily.
Connotations
Both share connotations of connection, electricity, and tension. US "live wire" for energetic person.
Frequency
Equally common in both varieties.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
wire something (to something)wire something upwire for somethingwire something togetherVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “down to the wire”
- “live wire”
- “get your wires crossed”
- “wire-to-wire victory”
- “under the wire”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Wire transfer: an electronic transfer of funds.
Academic
In physics/engineering: 'copper wire conductivity'.
Everyday
Fixing a lamp: 'I need to connect the wires.'
Technical
In electronics: 'solder the wire to the terminal.'
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The electrician will wire the new sockets tomorrow.
- The garden was wired for security lights.
- She wired the money from her UK account.
American English
- We need to wire the cabin for electricity.
- The reporter wired the story to the editor.
- He wired the funds via Western Union.
adjective
British English
- They sell wire baskets for storage.
- The old wire fence was rusting.
American English
- We bought a wire haired terrier.
- Use wire cutters for this job.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- Be careful with that wire.
- The wire is red and black.
- I need to buy some electrical wire for the lamp.
- The message was sent by wire.
- The sculpture was made from twisted copper wire.
- Investors were nervous as the negotiations went down to the wire.
- The journalist had a network of informants wired into the government.
- The device was so compact that the wiring required microscopic precision.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Wire = WIre REaches. Picture a wire reaching from one point to another.
Conceptual Metaphor
CONNECTION IS A WIRE (e.g., 'stay wired in'), TENSION IS A TIGHT WIRE (e.g., 'on a wire').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'провод' (more general conductor) vs 'проволока' (metal thread). 'Wire transfer' is банковский перевод, not a direct translation of 'wire'.
Common Mistakes
- Incorrect: 'I sent him a wire mail.' Correct: 'I sent him a wire.' / 'I wired him the money.'
- Incorrect uncountable use: 'The fence is made of a barbed wire.' Correct: '...of barbed wire.' (no article)
Practice
Quiz
In a business context, 'to wire funds' means:
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Both. As a material (e.g., 'a coil of wire') it's uncountable. As a single piece (e.g., 'a wire came loose') it's countable.
A wire is typically a single strand, while a cable is a group of wires bundled together, often with insulation.
It means to have a misunderstanding or miscommunication with someone.
Yes, it means to connect or equip with wires, or to send money electronically.