Definition

1. Noun:

   • The act of obtaining the temporary use of something or the services of someone in exchange for payment: "Hire" refers to the process of renting or employing.
   • A person who has been employed: "Hire" can also refer to a newly employed person.

2. Verb:

   • To obtain the temporary use of (something, such as a car or tool) in exchange for payment: To rent.
   • To employ (someone) for wages or a salary: To take someone into paid employment.

Usage Examples

• Noun:

  • The company announced several new hires this quarter. (The company announced several newly employed people this quarter.)
  • The hire of the equipment was very straightforward. (The renting of the equipment was very straightforward.)

• Verb:

  • We need to hire a car for our weekend trip. (We need to rent a car for our weekend trip.)
  • They decided to hire a consultant to review the process. (They decided to employ a consultant to review the process.)

Advanced Usage

• "For hire": Available to be rented or employed.
  • The taxi had a 'for hire' sign on its roof. (The taxi had a sign showing it was available for rental.)
• "Hire purchase" (British English): A system for buying something by paying for it in installments while using it.
  • They bought the sofa on hire purchase. (They bought the sofa with a payment plan.)

Variants and Related Words

• Hirer (noun): A person or organization that hires something or someone.
  • The hirer is responsible for returning the vehicle in good condition.
• Hirable / Hireable (adjective): Available or suitable for hiring.
  • The equipment is in a hireable condition.

Synonyms

• Verb (to rent): Lease, charter.
• Verb (to employ): Recruit, engage, take on.
• Noun (employee): Recruit, new employee.

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Hire out: To allow someone to use something temporarily in exchange for payment; to make oneself available for employment.
  • He hires out his van for local deliveries. (He rents his van for local deliveries.)
  • She hires out as a freelance graphic designer. (She works as a freelance graphic designer.)

Related Idioms

• "Hire and fire": To employ and dismiss people frequently or easily.
  • The manager had a reputation for being quick to hire and fire.
• "The hired help": A sometimes dismissive term for paid employees, especially in a domestic context.
  • The party was cleaned up by the hired help.

Noun

1. the act of hiring something or someone
   • he signed up for a week's car hire
2. a newly hired employee
   • the new hires need special training

Verb

1. engage for service under a term of contract
   • We took an apartment on a quiet street
   • Let's rent a car
   • Shall we take a guide in Rome?
2. hold under a lease or rental agreement; of goods and services
3. engage or hire for work
   • They hired two new secretaries in the department
   • How many people has she employed?