the wire

noun
UK: /ðə ˈwaɪər/
US: /ðə ˈwaɪər/

  1. A thin, metal thread used for carrying electric current or signals.

    1. The power goes through the wire to the device. [ ] [ ]
    2. The electrician carefully connected the wire to ensure a stable electrical connection. [ ] [ ]

  2. A concealed electronic listening device; a bug.

    1. The police used the wire to gather evidence. [ ] [ ]
    2. They suspected the office was bugged, so they searched for the wire meticulously. [ ] [ ]

  3. A telephone or telegraph line, or a communication sent by telegraph.

    1. Send the message by the wire to them. [ ] [ ]
    2. News of the victory came over the wire, filling the town with excitement. [ ] [ ]

Synonyms

cable bug telegraph transmit
the wire transitive-verb

  1. To equip with a hidden listening device.

    1. They decided to wire the suspect for information. [ ] [ ]
    2. The informant agreed to wear the wire during the meeting with the gang members. [ ] [ ]

  2. To send a message by telegraph or electronic transfer.

    1. Please wire the money to my account quickly. [ ] [ ]
    2. The company will wire the funds to the supplier as soon as the invoice is approved. [ ] [ ]

Frequently Asked Questions

The word "the wire" in English means: A thin, metal thread used for carrying electric current or signals., A concealed electronic listening device; a bug., A telephone or telegraph line, or a communication sent by telegraph..

The phonetic transcription of "the wire" is /ðə ˈwaɪər/ in British English and /ðə ˈwaɪər/ in American English. Click the 🔊 button to hear both pronunciations.

Synonyms for "the wire": cable, bug, telegraph, transmit.

Example usage of "the wire": "The power goes through the wire to the device.". More examples on the page.