ENGLISH
REFERENCE

wire

n. · v.
US //ˈwaɪɝ// UK //wˈaɪə// wire
  1. 1 metal thread (n.)
    A2 Elementary

    a thin, flexible thread of metal.

    a slender, pliable rod or strand of metal, typically formed by drawing the metal through a die.

    Example

    He used a small piece of wire to fix the broken fence.

    Example

    The sculptor manipulated the copper wire into intricate shapes, creating a delicate skeleton for the clay model.
  2. 2 electrical conductor (n.)
    A2 Elementary

    a metal thread that carries electricity or signals.

    a metallic conductor used to transmit electrical power or telecommunications signals.

    Example

    Be careful not to touch the live wire behind the washing machine.

    Example

    The technician identified a frayed wire in the control panel as the primary cause of the intermittent power failure.
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  1. 3 hidden microphone (n.)
    C1 Advanced Informal Slang

    a tiny microphone hidden on a person to record a conversation secretly.

    a concealed electronic eavesdropping device worn by an individual for the purpose of gathering evidence.

    Example

    The undercover officer was wearing a wire to record the meeting with the gang.

    Example

    Despite the risk of discovery, the informant agreed to wear a wire during the high-stakes negotiation with the cartel leaders.
  2. 4 the finish line (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Sport

    the finish line of a race, especially in horse racing.

    the finishing line of a racetrack; often used figuratively in the phrase 'down to the wire' to indicate a close competition.

    Example

    The two horses were neck and neck as they crossed the wire.

    Example

    The election results were so close that the candidates remained tied until the final votes were counted, taking the contest down to the wire.
  3. 5 to install electricity (v.)
    B1 Intermediate

    to put electrical cables into a building or piece of equipment.

    to equip a structure or device with a system of electrical conductors.

    Example

    It took the electricians three days to wire the new house.

    Example

    The contractor insisted on hiring a specialist to wire the server room to ensure the cooling systems and power backups were properly integrated.
  4. 6 to send money or a message (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    to send money or a message using an electronic system.

    to transmit funds or information via a telecommunications or electronic transfer system.

    Example

    My parents had to wire me some money after I lost my wallet on holiday.

    Example

    The corporation chose to wire the funds immediately to secure the acquisition before the close of the fiscal quarter.
  5. 7 to fasten (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    to tie or fasten something using metal wire.

    to bind, secure, or fasten an object using metallic strands.

    Example

    He wired the gate shut so the dog couldn't get out.

    Example

    The gardener carefully wired the climbing roses to the trellis to encourage them to grow upward.
Origin

From Middle English wir, wyr, from Old English wīr (“wire, metal thread, wire-ornament”), from Proto-Germanic wīraz (“wire”), from Proto-Indo-European weh₁iros (“a twist, thread, cord, wire”), from *weh₁y- (“to turn, twist, weave, plait”).

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