Cable: meaning, definitions and examples

🔌

Add to dictionary

cable

[ˈkeɪbəl ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

television

A cable is a wire or bundle of wires that carries electric signals for transmitting information, such as television signals.

Synonyms

cord, line, wire.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
cable	Usually refers to thick and strong wires or bundles of wires used for transmitting electrical power or signals, often in telecommunications or heavy machinery. The internet cable needs to be replaced because of the damage. They used a steel cable to lift the heavy machinery.
wire	Indicates a single, usually thin metallic conductor used to transmit electricity or signals, often seen in electrical work and electronics. This is a more technical term. She stripped the wire to fix the connection. The wires behind the TV are a mess.
cord	Typically a thinner, flexible insulated wire or bundle of wires used to connect small electrical devices to power sources. It has a household and everyday usage connotation. I tripped over the extension cord in the living room. The lamp won't turn on because the power cord is unplugged.
line	Refers to a somewhat general term for any long, thin, flexible piece used for various purposes, such as fishing, communication, or transport. It is less specific and can also refer to non-wire items like ropes or threads. The phone line is down due to the storm. They cast their fishing line into the water.

Examples of usage

The cable company offers a wide range of channels for subscribers.
I need to check the cable connection to fix the TV reception.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

technology

In technology, a cable refers to a thick rope or chain of wire or metal, usually used for supporting heavy structures or lifting objects.

Synonyms

chain, hawser, rope.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
cable	Used to refer to strong, thick wires or bundles of wires, often used for electrical or communication purposes, or for mooring ships. The submarine's communication relies on the underwater cable They used a thick steel cable to secure the crane
rope	A general term for strong cords made by twisting together strands of hemp, nylon, or other materials, used for various tasks such as climbing, tying, or securing loads. They used a rope to climb the mountain The cargo was secured tightly with sturdy ropes
chain	Used to describe a series of linked metal rings, often employed for securing or pulling heavy objects, as well as in mechanical systems. They locked the gate with a heavy chain The bicycle's chain slipped off its gears
hawser	A thick rope or cable used in maritime contexts for mooring or towing ships. It is not commonly used in everyday conversation. The ship was anchored securely with a strong hawser They needed a new hawser after the previous one frayed

Examples of usage

The crane operator attached the cable to the load before lifting it up.
The suspension bridge is supported by strong steel cables.

^{Context #3 | Noun}

communication

A cable can also refer to a message sent through a telegraph, telephone, or computer network.

Synonyms

communication, message, telegram.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
cable	Best utilized in a technical or engineering context, often referring to a thick, strong rope or a bundle of wires insulated together. The cable connecting the two buildings was severed We need to replace the power cable for the generator
message	Appropriate in everyday situations where a piece of information is sent from one person or group to another, typically through spoken, written, or digital methods. I left a message on your phone earlier She received your message about the meeting
communication	Used broadly in contexts where the sharing or exchange of information, thoughts, or ideas is discussed. It's not limited to a specific medium. Effective communication is key to a successful team The radio is an essential tool for communication during emergencies
telegram	Refers to a dated or historical method of sending written messages over long distances via telegraph wire. It can also be used metaphorically to refer to very brief and urgent communications. He received a telegram notifying him of the urgent news In the early 20th century, telegrams were a common way to send important messages

Examples of usage

The diplomats exchanged secret cables regarding the peace negotiations.
I received an urgent cable from the overseas office.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word 'cable' comes from the Latin word 'capulum', which means 'a rope or a chain'.
Originally, 'cable' referred to a large rope used in shipping and mooring.
In the 19th century, 'cable' also began to describe electrical wires, especially those used for telegraphs.

Technology

Fiber optic cables transmit data as pulses of light, allowing for faster internet speeds.
The first successful transatlantic telegraph cable was laid in 1866, connecting Europe and America.
Coaxial cables, commonly used for cable TV, have an inner conductor surrounded by insulation and an outer conductor.

Pop Culture

Cable television revolutionized entertainment in the 1970s and 1980s by providing numerous channels to viewers.
The phrase 'cable news' often refers to news that is broadcast 24/7 on various cable networks.
Several hit shows like 'The Sopranos' and 'Game of Thrones' became flagship programs for cable channels.

Science

Cable mechanisms are used in scientific instrumentation for their ability to transmit forces or signals.
In various engineering applications, cables are essential for load-bearing structures, like suspension bridges.
Cables are also used in robotics, allowing communication and power to be sent from a control unit to moving parts.

History

The first underwater cables were made of gutta-percha and were used for telegraphy in the mid-19th century.
During World War II, cable was crucial for communications, connecting troops with command centers.
In the 20th century, the expansion of cable systems coincided with the growth of suburban areas and increased media consumption.

Translations

Translations of the word "cable" in other languages:

🇵🇹 cabo

🇮🇳 केबल

🇩🇪 Kabel

🇮🇩 kabel

🇺🇦 кабель

🇵🇱 kabel

🇯🇵 ケーブル

🇫🇷 câble

🇪🇸 cable

🇹🇷 kablo

🇰🇷 케이블

🇸🇦 كابل

🇨🇿 kabel

🇸🇰 kábel

🇨🇳 电缆

🇸🇮 kabel

🇮🇸 snúra

🇰🇿 кабель

🇬🇪 კაბელი

🇦🇿 kabel

🇲🇽 cable

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #3,212, this word is part of upper-intermediate vocabulary. While not among the most basic terms, it appears often enough to be valuable for advanced communication.

...
3209 listen
3210 habits
3211 cry
3212 cable
3213 contractor
3214 finger
3215 locations
...