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

A total of six people were transported to the hospital, with two in serious condition and three had non-life-threatening injuries, said Los Angeles Fire Department Firefighter Margaret Stewart.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 25, 2026

Firefighter Mr Sadler has been described as "a really amazing guy" with "a generous heart".

From BBC • May 19, 2025

Firefighter Christian Benitez told AFP news agency all the residents were out of danger.

From BBC • Feb. 11, 2025

Chris Hamm, president of the 1,200-member Orange County Professional Firefighter Local 3631, is asking anyone interested in helping to support the injured fighters and their families to send donations to www.fallenfirefighterrelieffund.org/ocfahandcrew.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 3, 2024

Firefighter Lee Jones was helping douse the smoldering wreckage of homes in Stinnett to keep them from reigniting when the weather starts turning Friday and continues into the weekend.

From Seattle Times • Feb. 29, 2024