B1verb1K

Hire

UK /["/ˈhaɪə(r)/","/ˈhaɪəz/","/ˈhaɪəd/","/ˈhaɪərɪŋ/"]/US /["/ˈhaɪər/","/ˈhaɪərz/","/ˈhaɪərd/","/ˈhaɪərɪŋ/"]/

Definition

to give somebody a job

In simple words: To pay someone to do a job.

Examples

  • We decided to hire a new employee for the marketing department.
  • He wants to hire a car for the weekend trip.
  • I was fortunate to hire a talented chef for the restaurant.
  • It's common to hire freelancers for specific projects.
  • They plan to hire additional staff as the business grows.
  • You can hire equipment for your photography needs.

Usage notes

Used in both formal and informal contexts. Suitable for job-related discussions but less appropriate for casual conversations unless referring to a personal task.

Grammar pattern

hire + object

Memory hint

Think of 'hire' sounding like 'higher' — you're getting someone to help you by paying them.

Collocations

  • by the day
  • can/​can’t afford to
  • hire and fire
  • by the day
  • can/​can’t afford to
  • hire and fire
  • by the day, week, etc.
  • locally
  • from

Synonyms

  • employ
  • engage
  • recruit
  • appoint
  • contract

Antonyms

  • dismiss
  • fire

Common mistakes

  • 'Hired' as a noun instead of a verb.
  • Confusing 'hire' with 'borrow'.
  • Not using the right preposition, e.g., 'hire for' instead of 'hire to'.