wire

/waɪr/
noun
  1. A thin, flexible thread of metal, used for carrying electricity or for making things.
    • She used a piece of wire to hang the picture on the wall.
    • The electrician ran a new wire from the breaker box to the kitchen.
    • Copper wire is commonly used in household electrical systems.
  2. A telegram or message sent by telegraph.
    • She sent a wire to confirm her flight time.
    • The news came by wire before the days of email.
    • My grandfather received a wire announcing his brother's arrival.
  3. A hidden listening device (a bug) used for surveillance.
    • In the movie, the undercover agent was afraid his wire would be found.
    • They discovered a wire planted under the desk in the meeting room.
    • The detective wore a wire to record the suspect's confession.
  4. The finish line of a race, especially a horse race.
    • The crowd cheered as the runner approached the wire.
    • It was a photo finish at the wire.
    • The two horses crossed the wire at almost the same moment.
verb
  1. To install or connect electrical wires in something.
    • He learned how to wire a lamp in his electronics class.
    • The technician will wire the security system tomorrow.
    • We need to wire the new house for electricity before moving in.
  2. To send money electronically, especially by wire transfer.
    • She wired $500 to her son for his rent.
    • The company wires salaries directly to employees' bank accounts.
    • I'll wire you the money for the tickets as soon as I can.
  3. To send a telegram or message by telegraph.
    • The office wired the news to all branches.
    • He wired his family that he had arrived safely.
    • They wired congratulations to the newlyweds.
  4. To equip with a hidden listening device.
    • The police wired the informant before the meeting.
    • The agent was wired and ready to gather evidence.
    • They wired the room to record the conversation.
What does "wire" mean? | whatsthatwordmean | whatsthatwordmean