cable
/ˈkeɪ.bəl/ IELTSAcademic
noun
A thick insulated wire or group of wires used to carry electricity, internet, or other signals. It can also mean a strong rope made of wires.
- The TV cable was damaged in the storm.
- We need a longer cable for the laptop.
verb
To send a message, image, or report by cable, especially in older or formal use.
- The embassy cabled the news to London.
- He cabled home from the ship.
Adinary Nuance
Cable is the word you choose for a physical wire or rope, not for any thin line. Compared with "wire", cable usually suggests something thicker, stronger, or made of several wires together. In electronics, "cable" is more common than "cord" when the object carries power or data.
In other languages
- Vietnamese
- cáp
- Spanish
- cable
- Chinese
- 电缆
- Japanese
- ケーブル
- Korean
- 케이블
Etymology
Cable came into English from Old North French and Medieval Latin, based on Latin capulum, meaning a rope or halter. Its older sense was a strong rope; the electrical meaning came later in the 1800s.
Common phrases
cable televisionUSB cablepower cablecable car
Synonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
- What is the difference between cable and wire?
- A cable is usually thicker and may contain several wires inside it. A wire is usually a single metal strand.
- Is cable used for internet?
- Yes. People often say Ethernet cable, internet cable, or network cable.
- Is cable a common word in business and technical English?
- Yes. It is very common in technical writing, shopping, and office support.
- Can cable mean a rope?
- Yes. In older or special contexts, cable can mean a strong rope made of wires.