# wire vs word

> English confusable word pair

## The two words

### wire
*noun · IPA /waɪə(ɹ)/ · frequency rank #3,460*
Metal formed into a thin, even thread, now usually by being drawn through a hole in a steel die.

### word
*noun · IPA /wɜːd/ · frequency rank #555*
The smallest unit of language that has a particular meaning and can be expressed by itself; the smallest discrete, meaningful unit of language. (contrast morpheme.)

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/vs/wire-vs-word