English UsageComparison guide
Tire vs. Tyre
For the rubber covering around a vehicle wheel, Cambridge labels “tire” US and “tyre” UK; “tire” also has a separate verb meaning to become or make weary.
For a vehicle wheel, use “tire” in US English and “tyre” in UK English; the verb “tire” stays “tire.”
Key details
Confusion Familyregional-spelling
Rule Familyregional-orthography
Termstire, tyre
Variant ScopeFor the rubber covering around a vehicle wheel, Cambridge labels “tire” US and “tyre” UK; “tire” also has a separate verb meaning to become or make weary.
Further guidance
Core difference
Use “tire” in US English and “tyre” in UK English for the vehicle-wheel noun.
Fast Test
Match the form to the intended meaning, regional convention, or required house style, then keep that choice consistent.
Variant Boundary
Do not replace the verb “tire” with “tyre” in British English; the regional variant applies to the vehicle-wheel noun.
Sources and evidence
Sources are shown with the role they play in this guide. Historical or style-sensitive claims are kept within the evidence boundary described above.
- Tire — Cambridge Dictionary (opens in a new tab)Cambridge Dictionary · US tire noun for vehicle wheel covering plus separate verb senses
- Tyre — Cambridge Dictionary (opens in a new tab)Cambridge Dictionary · UK spelling of tire for the vehicle-wheel noun