tyre

Definition

The ring-shaped protective covering around a wheel which is usually made of rubber or plastic composite and is either pneumatic or solid.

Etymology

Attested in the sense “rim of a wheel” since ca. 1500. Generally considered to be a use of Middle English tir(e), a clipped byform of atir (“equipment, furnishings, ornament”), whence modern attire. A less accepted theory derives it from the verb to tie. The spelling tyre was predominant in the 16th century, but largely gave way to tire in the 17th and 18th, before it was revived again outside North America in the 19th century.

Example Sentences

• "pneumatic tyres"
• "runflat tyres"
• "iron tyres for the coach and iron shoes for the horse"