English Reference
adjective

wired

adj.
US /ˈwaɪɝd/ UK /wˈaɪəd/ wired

  1. 01 B1 Intermediate

    connected to a power source or a network using physical wires or cables.

    equipped with or connected by electrical or electronic wires for power or data transmission.

    Simple

    A wired internet connection is usually faster and more stable than Wi-Fi.

    In context

    The technician ensured the entire office was wired for high-speed data before the new servers were installed.

    Usage

    Often used in contrast with 'wireless' or 'Wi-Fi'.

    connectedcabled
  2. 02 B2 Upper Intermediate Informal

    feeling very excited, nervous, or full of energy, often from too much caffeine or lack of sleep.

    experiencing a state of high nervous energy or overstimulation, typically due to stimulants or stress.

    Simple

    I drank three cups of coffee and now I feel completely wired.

    In context

    After working through the night on the project, the team appeared wired and exhausted during the final presentation.

    Teacher's tip

    Commonly used to describe the 'jittery' feeling after drinking too much coffee or energy drinks.

    hyperjitteryhigh strung
  3. 03 C1 Advanced Informal Computing

    connected to the internet or very involved in modern technology.

    integrated into a digital network or the internet; culturally attuned to digital technology.

    Simple

    Today's wired generation expects to have internet access everywhere they go.

    In context

    The magazine focuses on how the wired world is changing the way we handle international commerce and personal privacy.

  4. 04 C1 Advanced Informal

    having hidden recording devices or microphones placed in a room or on a person.

    equipped with concealed electronic eavesdropping devices for surveillance purposes.

    Simple

    The police made sure the informant was wired before he met with the suspects.

    In context

    The detectives suspected the office was wired, so they conducted their most sensitive conversations in the park.

Imam's explanation centers on the way different brain systems are wired before birth.

ScienceDaily· 31 Aug 2026

From wire + -ed.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Frequent
Updated