live wire

noun

: an alert, active, or aggressive person

live-wire

ˈlīv-ˌwī(-ə)r 

adjective

Synonyms of live wire

• pistol
• dynamo

Examples of live wire in a Sentence

She's a real live wire.

the babysitter will have her hands full with those two little live wires

Recent Examples on the Web

Who was lax in announcing that Con Edison would be doing electrical work in the park and there could be danger of live wires? — Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 16 Aug. 2026

Induction happens when the magnetic field of a nearby live wire causes power to jump to inactive equipment. — Melody Petersen, Los Angeles Times, 21 July 2026

Response efforts were slowed as debris blocked roads and live wires created hazardous conditions. — Anthony Thompson, USA Today, 4 July 2026

Trees and branches were taken out, and live wires went down. — The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 22 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1881, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for live wire

• acquire
• attire
• bonfire
• campfire
• ceasefire
• conspire
• desire
• enquire
• entire
• greenbrier
• gunfire
• homebuyer

Kids Definition

live wire

noun

: an alert, active, or forceful person

live-wire adjective