hardwired

adjective

hard·​wired ˈhärd-ˌwī(-ə)rd 

1

: implemented in the form of permanent electronic circuits

also : connected or incorporated by or as if by permanent electrical connections

a hardwired phone

concepts of attractiveness may be universal and hardwired into the human brain

—Jane E. Brody

2

: genetically or innately determined : inborn

creature whose every action is a reflexive, hardwired response

—Natalie Angier

also : genetically or innately predisposed

a human being who is hardwired to be sociable

—Forbes

Synonyms

• built-in
• constitutional
• constitutive
• essential
• immanent
• inborn
• inbred
• indigenous
• ingrain
• ingrained
• engrained
• inherent
• innate
• integral
• intrinsic
• native
• natural

Examples of hardwired in a Sentence

a cat with a hardwired compulsion to knock expensive knickknacks off of shelves

Recent Examples on the Web

Though Red 3, like most artificial colorants, has no functional purpose, our brains are hardwired to prefer red foods. —Ali Francis, Bon Appétit, 15 Jan. 2025

Lots and lots of hay Like cows, rabbits are foragers that are hardwired to graze constantly, nibbling on fibers and hay one stalk at a time, Valand said. —Claire Thornton, USA TODAY, 11 Jan. 2025

And this is all in addition to features carried over from the G4, such as Apple Home compatibility (including HomeKit Secure Video support), on-device facial recognition, local storage, and the ability to work on battery (six AAs) or be hardwired to your home’s wiring. —Jennifer Pattison Tuohy, The Verge, 6 Jan. 2025

Unlike the company’s more conventional services, like Instagram and Facebook, AI is an infrastructure technology that Zuckerberg wants hardwired into its various products, particularly as competitors like OpenAI continue to make inroads with consumers. —Jonathan Vanian, CNBC, 23 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1965, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

hardwired

adjective

hard·​wired -ˌwī(ə)rd 

: having or done using or as if using permanent electronic circuits or connections

a hardwired phone

a parent hardwired to defend their child