wiring

IPA/ˈwaɪərɪŋ/
KK[wˈaɪrɪŋ]IPA/ˈwaɪərɪŋ/

wiring — noun

1. the full set of electrical wires and connections that supplies power within a bu

1.nounB1
Definition

the full set of electrical wires and connections that supplies power within a building, vehicle, or machine

Example

Faulty wiring in the attic caused smoke above the children's bedroom.

collocation: faulty wiring

The electrician replaced the kitchen wiring before the new oven arrived.

replace the wiring

Common collocations
  • faulty wiring
  • old wiring
  • replace the wiring
  • wiring inside the wall
Synonyms
  • circuitry

    often focuses on the internal electrical arrangement of a device, especially electronics

  • cabling

    focuses more on cables and cable runs than the whole electrical system

  • electrical system

    broader and can include switches and other powered parts, not just wires

Grammar Patterns

the wiring in + building/device

faulty wiring

replace the wiring

Usage Note

Usually refers to the whole set of electrical wires in a place or machine, not one separate wire. Distinguish from sense 2, which refers to the installation work.

Common Mistakes

The wirings in this room are old.
The wiring in this room is old.
When you mean the electrical system, wiring is usually uncountable.

2. the work of putting wires into a building, vehicle, or device and connecting the

2.nounB1
Definition

the work of putting wires into a building, vehicle, or device and connecting them correctly

Example

Esteban finished the wiring for the new office before the painters came.

finish the wiring

The crew did the bathroom wiring after the walls were measured.

do the wiring

Common collocations
  • do the wiring
  • finish the wiring
  • wiring work
  • house wiring
Synonyms
  • electrical work

    broader and can include testing, repairs, and other electrical tasks besides putting wires in place

  • installation work

    broader and not limited to electrical connections

  • cabling

    narrower when it refers mainly to running cables rather than the full connection job

Grammar Patterns

do the wiring

finish the wiring

wiring for + room/device

Usage Note

Often appears after do, finish, or for when you talk about the job itself. Distinguish from sense 1, which refers to the electrical wires already in place.

Common Mistakes

My cousin is wiring at a factory.
My cousin does wiring at a factory.
For the trade or task, wiring is usually used with do or in a noun phrase.

Etymology

First known use

1552

1552, in the meaning defined at sense 1