firefighter

American  

[fahyuhr-fahy-ter] / ˈfaɪərˌfaɪ tɛr /

Or fire fighter

noun

1. a person who fights destructive fires.

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firefighter British  

/ ˈfaɪəˌfaɪtə /

noun

1. a person who fights fires, usually a public employee or trained volunteer

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Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• firefighting
  noun

Etymology

Origin of firefighter

First recorded in 1900–05; fire + fighter

Explanation

A firefighter is someone whose job involves investigating and putting out accidental blazes. If your gas stove ignites a towel and you can't put out the flames, call the firefighters! The word fireman is older than firefighter, which first appeared in the late 19th century, and for a long time it was much more commonly used. These days, it's more accurate to use firefighter, since men and women both work for fire departments battling fires. Also, the word perfectly describes the job itself, fighting dangerous fires.

Example Sentences

First responders took 10 people to the hospital, including eight workers and one firefighter, Matt Amos, battalion chief of the Longview Fire Department, said at a press conference.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 27, 2026

One hundred firefighter personnel were assigned to the Bain fire.

From Los Angeles Times • May 20, 2026

One firefighter and one civilian sustained minor injuries in the Verona fire and were transported to a hospital for treatment.

From Los Angeles Times • May 20, 2026

Another new candidate in the Platner-mold is burly Pennsylvania firefighter Bob Brooks, who is running for Congress.

From Barron's • May 3, 2026

“And let us find you,” the firefighter added.

From "Forged by Fire" by Sharon M. Draper