ENGLISH
REFERENCE

tires

n. countable
A2 Elementary US //ˈtaɪɝz// UK //tˈaɪəz// tires

n. the thick rubber rings that go around the wheels of a car or bicycle. They are filled with air to help the vehicle move smoothly on the road.

n. thick rubber coverings, typically reinforced with wire and filled with compressed air, fitted around the rims of wheels to provide traction and absorb shock.


SIMPLE

You should check your car tires before a long trip.

CONTEXTUAL

The mechanic recommended replacing the front tires because the rubber was starting to wear thin.

COMPLEX

Modern performance tires are engineered with specific tread patterns to displace water and maintain a high coefficient of friction on wet asphalt.

Synonyms
Antonyms
Usage

Commonly spelled 'tyres' in British English and 'tires' in American English.

Pitfall

I need to change my car's wheelsI need to change my car's tiresLearners often use 'wheel' to refer to the rubber part, but 'wheel' is the entire metal and rubber unit; 'tire' refers specifically to the rubber outer ring.

Idioms4 entries

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