What does "tire" mean?

1. (to become weary) to lose energy or feel like you need to rest. 2. (to make someone weary) to make someone else feel exhausted or sleepy. 3. (to become bored) to lose interest in something because you have done it too much. 4. (rubber wheel covering) the thick rubber ring around a wheel of a car or bicycle.

How do you use "tire"?

In American English, 'tire' is used for both the verb and the noun; British English uses 'tyre' for the noun.

Is it correct to say "I need to change the tyre on my car."?

No — say "I need to change the tire on my car.". In American English, use the 'tire' spelling; 'tyre' is the British English spelling.

tire

v. · n.

US //ˈtaɪɝ// UK //tˈaɪə// tire

1 to become weary (v.)
A2 Elementary

to lose energy or feel like you need to rest.

to become physically or mentally weary; used intransitively to describe a loss of stamina.

Example

The long walk uphill made the children tire quickly.

Example

Even the most seasoned marathon runners began to tire as the course reached its final, most demanding incline.
- weaken
- flag
- energize
- refresh
2 to make someone weary (v.)
B1 Intermediate

to make someone else feel exhausted or sleepy.

to exhaust the strength or patience of another person. Transitive use requiring a direct object.

Example

The constant noise from the construction site started to tire the residents.

Example

The repetitive nature of the data entry tasks would tire even the most diligent employees by mid-afternoon.
- exhaust
- fatigue
- wear out
- invigorate

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3 to become bored (v.)
B2 Upper Intermediate

to lose interest in something because you have done it too much.

to become bored or impatient with a repetitive activity or situation. Often followed by the preposition 'of'.

Example

He soon began to tire of the same routine every single day.

Example

Investors may eventually tire of the company's constant excuses for failing to meet its quarterly revenue targets.
- get bored
- weary of
- enjoy
- relish
4 rubber wheel covering (n.)
A2 Elementary American English

the thick rubber ring around a wheel of a car or bicycle.

the rubber covering of a wheel, typically filled with compressed air. This spelling is standard in American English.

Example

I had to stop the car because the front tire was flat.

Example

The mechanic recommended replacing all four tires before the winter season to ensure better traction on icy roads.

Usage

In American English, 'tire' is used for both the verb and the noun; British English uses 'tyre' for the noun.
- wheel
- casing
Pitfall

I need to change the tyre on my car.

I need to change the tire on my car.

In American English, use the 'tire' spelling; 'tyre' is the British English spelling.

Etymology 1

From Middle English tiren, tirien, teorien, from Old English tȳrian, tēorian (“to fail, cease, become weary, be tired, exhausted; tire, weary, exhaust”), of uncertain origin. Possibly from Proto-West Germanic teuʀōn (“to cease”), which is possibly from Proto-Indo-European dews- (“to fail, be behind, lag”). Compare Ancient Greek δεύομαι (deúomai, “to lack”), Sanskrit दोष (dóṣa, “crime, fault, vice, deficiency”).

Etymology 2

Probably from Middle English tir(e) (“equipment, furnshings, ornament”). See the details at tyre.

Etymology 3

From Middle English tire, from Old French tirer (“to draw or pull”), akin to English tear (“to rend”).

Word family

Verbtire
Adjectivetired

Idioms3 entries