English Reference

Word

cable

Phoneticsca·ble, stress on the first syllable

US/ˈkeɪbəɫ/

UK/kˈeɪbəl/

Definitions

01wire for electricity or data

A2 · Elementary Uncountable noun Computing

n. a set of wires covered in plastic that carries electricity or signals for computers and phones.

n. an insulated wire or fiber optic strand used for the transmission of electricity or electronic signals.

“I need a longer cable to connect my laptop to the monitor.”

“The technician replaced the damaged ethernet cable to restore the high-speed connection between the server and the local workstations.”

Synonyms

Antonyms

02thick rope

B1 · Intermediate Countable noun

n. a very strong, thick rope made of wire or hemp, used for pulling or supporting heavy things.

n. a heavy, strong rope or chain, often made of twisted steel strands, used for structural support or traction.

“The bridge is held up by massive steel cables.”

“The ship was secured to the pier with thick mooring cables to prevent it from drifting during the storm.”

Synonyms

03television service

A2 · Elementary Uncountable noun

n. a system of sending television programmes to your house through wires rather than through the air.

n. a system of broadcasting television programming to paying subscribers via coaxial or fiber-optic cables.

“We decided to cancel our cable because we only watch streaming services now.”

“The network expanded its reach by signing a new distribution deal with the country's largest cable provider.”

Synonyms

cable TV

04telegram

C1 · Advanced Countable noun Archaic

n. an old-fashioned message sent by wire across long distances.

n. a telegram sent by submarine telegraph cable; historically significant in international diplomacy.

“The diplomat sent a secret cable back to his government during the crisis.”

“Historians recently declassified a series of diplomatic cables that reveal the tension between the two nations during the 1940s.”

Synonyms

05nautical unit

C2 · Proficiency Countable noun Science Technical

n. a unit of distance used by sailors, equal to about 185 metres.

n. a maritime unit of length, traditionally one-tenth of a nautical mile or approximately 100 fathoms.

“The two ships stayed about three cables apart to avoid a collision.”

“The navigator noted that the reef was situated approximately five cables to the starboard side of the vessel's current heading.”

Synonyms

cable length

06currency pair

C2 · Proficiency Uncountable noun Technical · Slang

n. a name used by traders for the exchange rate between the British Pound and the US Dollar.

n. a financial market term for the GBP/USD exchange rate, originating from the transatlantic telegraph cable.

“Traders watched cable closely after the central bank announced the new interest rates.”

“Volatility in cable increased significantly following the unexpected economic data released by the UK Treasury this morning.”

Synonyms

07to send a message

C1 · Advanced Archaic

v. to send a message to someone using an old telegraph system.

v. to transmit a message or news via telegraphic cable; predominantly used in historical contexts.

“The captain cabled the news of the discovery to the main office.”

“The embassy cabled the foreign ministry immediately after the treaty was signed to confirm the successful negotiation.”

Synonyms

08to install wiring

B2 · Upper Intermediate Computing

v. to put wires into a building or a piece of equipment.

v. to equip a building, room, or device with electrical or data cables.

“The workers are busy cabling the new office for high-speed internet.”

“The entire facility was cabled with fiber optics to ensure the infrastructure could handle future bandwidth requirements.”

Synonyms

Collocations

Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “cable” in context.

Verb

01. connect the cable

“Please connect the cable to the back of the monitor to start the presentation.”

verb + noun

02. lay a cable

“Engineers are working to lay a new fiber-optic cable across the ocean floor.”

verb + noun

03. unplug the cable

“You should always unplug the power cable before you try to repair the appliance.”

verb + noun

Adjective

04. frayed cable

“Don't use that charger because the frayed cable could be a fire hazard.”

adj + noun

05. thick cable

“The bridge is supported by several thick cables made of high-strength steel.”

adj + noun

06. underground cable

“The city is replacing overhead wires with an underground cable system to prevent storm damage.”

adj + noun

Noun

07. cable car

“The cable car took the tourists to the top of the mountain in less than ten minutes.”

noun + noun

08. cable television

“Many families are canceling their cable television subscriptions in favor of streaming services.”

noun + noun

09. length of cable

“We need a three-meter length of cable to reach the outlet in the corner.”

noun + of + noun

Real-World Examples

“If you’re outside when the earthquake hits, head straight away to an open space, away from buildings, traffic lights or electricity cables, as well as big trees and bridges.”
The Local 18 Aug 2026
“It contained 864 servers and was connected to shore by an underwater cable.”
The Conversation 17 Aug 2026

Related words

Idioms

Domains

ArchitectureFinanceNauticalTelevision

This entry

Exam level
CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
Frequency
Common
Level
B2 · Upper IntermediateOxford
Updated

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