Tyre Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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tyre

[taɪər ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

vehicle

A rubber covering, typically inflated or surrounding an inflated inner tube, placed around a wheel to form a soft contact with the road.

Synonyms

tire.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
tyre

British English spelling, commonly used in the UK and other countries where British English is prevalent. Refers to the rubber covering around a wheel.

  • I need to change the front tyre of my car.
  • The bicycle's tyre burst on the way to school.
tire

American English spelling, commonly used in the United States. Refers to the rubber covering around a wheel or, as a verb, to become weary.

  • He needs to replace the tire before the trip.
  • After working all day, I began to tire.

Examples of usage

  • The car's tyre burst on the highway.
  • He had to replace the worn-out tyres on his bicycle.
Context #2 | Noun

British English

A rubber covering on a wheel of a vehicle.

Synonyms

tire.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
tyre

The spelling usually used in British English for the rubber covering around a wheel, typically for vehicles like cars, bicycles, and motorcycles.

  • He changed the front tyre of his bicycle after it got punctured.
  • The car's tyres were all-weather types, suitable for both dry and wet conditions.
tire

The spelling usually used in American English for the same rubber covering around a wheel as described above. 'Tire' is also used to describe becoming weary or losing energy.

  • She always checks her car's tires before a long journey.
  • After hiking all day, they began to tire and decided to rest.

Examples of usage

  • He noticed a nail in his tyre and had to get it repaired.
  • The tyre pressure was too low, so he had to inflate it.
Context #3 | Verb

British English

To become tired.

Synonyms

weary.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
tyre

This is the British English spelling of the rubber covering on a wheel.

  • He checked the pressure of each tyre before the long journey.
  • The front tyre of the motorbike has a puncture.
weary

Use this word to describe feeling very tired, either physically or mentally. It often conveys a sense of exhaustion and weariness.

  • After a long day at work, she felt weary and just wanted to rest.
  • The hikers were weary after climbing the mountain all day.

Examples of usage

  • I tyre easily when I don't get enough sleep.
  • She began to tyre of the same routine every day.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Engineering

  • Modern tyres are made from a combination of rubber, fabric, and steel to provide strength and durability.
  • The design of a tyre tread is crucial for providing grip, handling, and performance adaption to different driving conditions.
  • There are specialised tyres designed specifically for various purposes, such as all-season, off-road, and performance tyres.

Cultural Impact

  • The invention of the pneumatic tyre revolutionized the way vehicles interacted with the ground, providing better comfort and safety.
  • In popular culture, tyres are often featured in movies and games, symbolizing speed, adventure, and the thrill of driving.
  • Community events like 'tyre recycling days' highlight environmental efforts to reuse and repurpose old tyres.

Safety

  • Proper tyre maintenance is essential for vehicle safety, including monitoring air pressure, tread depth, and alignment.
  • Deflated or damaged tyres can lead to accidents, making checks before long trips very important for drivers.
  • Technological advancements have led to automatic tyre pressure monitoring systems that help keep drivers informed about their tyre conditions.

Sports

  • Motorsports, like Formula 1, have specific tyre regulations where different types are used depending on weather conditions.
  • Tyre manufacturers often sponsor racing teams, establishing strong links between sports and automotive companies.
  • The performance of a race car is significantly affected by the type of tyres used, making them a critical aspect of racing strategy.

Origin of 'tyre'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'tyre' comes from the Old French word 'tirer', meaning 'to pull', referring to how it supports the vehicle.
  • In British English, 'tyre' is used, while in American English, it's spelled 'tire'.
  • The first recorded use of the word 'tyre' appeared in writing in the late 19th century, with different variations based on locale.

The word 'tyre' originated from the Old English word 'tīr', which meant 'a ring'. It was used in the context of a metal hoop or a wheel rim. Over time, the spelling evolved to 'tire' in American English, while 'tyre' remained the preferred spelling in British English. The concept of a rubber covering for wheels emerged in the early 19th century, leading to the modern usage of 'tyre' to refer to the rubber covering on a wheel. Today, 'tyre' is commonly used in British English to describe this component of a vehicle.


See also: tyres.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #18,624, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.