Word
wiring
US/ˈwaɪɹɪŋ/
UK/wˈaɪəɹɪŋ/
Definitions
01electrical system
B2 · Upper Intermediate Uncountable noun
n. the system of wires that carries electricity around a building, car, or piece of equipment.
n. the network of electrical conductors and associated fittings within a structure, vehicle, or electronic device.
“The old house needs new wiring because the current system is dangerous.”
“The fire investigator determined that faulty electrical wiring behind the kitchen wall was the primary cause of the blaze.”
Usage
Often used as an uncountable noun when referring to the system as a whole.
02brain/personality
C1 · Advanced Uncountable noun Informal
n. the way someone's brain or personality is naturally organized.
n. the metaphorical internal 'circuitry' of a person's mind or temperament, often implying an innate or biological basis.
“I am a morning person; it is just how my wiring works.”
“Recent neurological studies suggest that the wiring of the adolescent brain makes teenagers more prone to risk-taking behaviour than adults.”
Usage
Usually used with a possessive like 'my' or 'her'.
Teaching tip
This is a common metaphorical use in modern psychology and self-help contexts; it suggests that certain traits are hard-wired and difficult to change.
Synonyms
03installing wires
B2 · Upper Intermediate
v. the act of putting electric wires into a place or connecting them.
v. the present participle of 'wire', referring to the process of installing electrical cables or connecting a circuit.
“He spent the whole afternoon wiring the new speakers to the stereo.”
“Wiring the entire office complex for high-speed internet took the technical team nearly three weeks of intensive labour.”
Usage
Functions as the gerund or present continuous form of the verb 'wire'.
Synonyms
Real-World Examples
“Meanwhile, up to 20 tonnes is used for the network wiring connecting up those computer servers.” “The damage follows a surprisingly organized pattern tied to the brain’s chemistry and wiring.” Etymology
From wire + -ing.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
ADVERB
- 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
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/wiring