fiery

[fahyuhr-ee, fahy-uh-ree]

adjective

fierier, fieriest 

1. consisting of, attended with, characterized by, or containing fire.

   a volcano's fiery discharge.

2. intensely hot.

   fiery desert sands.

   Antonyms: cold, cold, cool, cool

3. like or suggestive of fire.

   a fiery red; angry, fiery eyes.

   Synonyms: burning, glowing, flaming
   Antonyms: cold, cold, cool, cool

4. intensely ardent, impetuous, or passionate.

   fiery courage; a fiery speech.

   Synonyms: impassioned, spirited, vehement, fervent
   Antonyms: dispassionate, cold, cold, cool, cool

5. easily angered or provoked.

   a fiery temper.

6. causing a burning sensation, as certain liquors or condiments.

7. inflamed, as a tumor or sore.

8. Mining: Older Use.

   1. highly flammable.

   2. containing highly flammable gas.

fiery

/ ˈfaɪərɪ /

adjective

1. of, containing, or composed of fire

2. resembling fire in heat, colour, ardour, etc

   a fiery desert wind

   a fiery speaker

3. easily angered or aroused

   a fiery temper

4. (of food) producing a burning sensation

   a fiery curry

5. (of the skin or a sore) inflamed

6. flammable or containing flammable gas

7. (of a cricket pitch) making the ball bounce dangerously high

Other Word Forms

• fierily adverb
• fieriness noun
• unfiery adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of fiery¹

First recorded in 1225–75; Middle English fiery, fury, fery; fire, -y ¹

Example Sentences

Gone are the fiery denunciations from just a few weeks ago attacking American imperialism and touting his courage.

Read more on Wall Street Journal

We may be tapped on the shoulder and pulled into the kitchen during the meal, suddenly thrown into a fiery debate over an ingredient or tasked with doing some minor — emphasis on minor — kitchen work.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

"I said I would be fiery in my pre-match interview and I showed a bit of that. Hopefully this is my next major."

Read more on BBC

Even when he’s been fiery, nearly frothing at the mouth, Day-Lewis has always been a master of stillness, relying on his tall, taut frame to hint at the formidable power or menace underneath.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

The fiery spectacle sparked fury, as some online suggested it was dangerously irresponsible and could put viewers who might copy the clip at risk.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• blazing 
• burning 
• combustible 
• excitable 
• fierce 
• flaming 
• glowing 
• heated 
• hot 
• impassioned 
• intense 
• red-hot 
• spirited 
• vehement 
• violent