How to Pronounce Haywire

To pronounce "haywire", say HAYW-ir-e — 3 syllables, IPA /ˈheɪ.waɪ.ə(ɹ)/. Tap play below to hear it in four English accents, or practice it syllable by syllable.

haywire

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Accent

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3

Syllables

7

Letters

/ˈheɪ.waɪ.ə(ɹ)/

IPA

💡 Tip for remembering “haywire”

"haywire" has 3 syllables: hayw-ir-e. It rhymes with inquire and spire, if that helps it stick.

What does haywire mean?

noun

  1. Wire used to bind bales of hay.

adjective

  1. Roughly-made, unsophisticated, decrepit (from the use of haywire for temporary repairs).
  2. Behaving erratically or uncontrollably, especially of a machine or mechanical process; usually used with the verb "go".

    “It was working fine until it went haywire and wouldn't stop printing blank sheets.”

Synonyms

baler twine

Words that rhyme with haywire

Practicing rhymes trains the same ending sounds.

inquirespireesquirefiretwirerequiresquireinspireaspireexpirequireperspire

Related words

balmycrackersbuggycrackedfruitynuttyloopyawry

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "haywire"?▾

"Haywire" has 3 syllables: hayw · ir · e.

What is the IPA transcription of "haywire"?▾

The IPA transcription of "haywire" is /ˈheɪ.waɪ.ə(ɹ)/.

What does "haywire" mean?▾

Haywire: Wire used to bind bales of hay.

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