fer

¹ American  

[fur, fer] / fɜr, fər /

preposition

Informal.

1. for.

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-fer ² American  

1. a combining form meaning “that which carries” the thing specified by the initial element, used in the formation of compound words.

   aquifer; conifer; foraminifer.

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-fer British  

combining form

1. indicating a person or thing that bears something specified

   crucifer

   conifer

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Etymology

Origin of fer¹

A phonetic spelling representing the pronunciation of this word in dialectal speech

Origin of -fer²

From Latin, derivative of ferre “to carry, support, bear,” in Latin generally forming adjectives; the corresponding English adjectives add -ous; bear ¹, -ferous

Example Sentences

As Oasis reunion fever gripped the nation last year, Scotland went particularly mad fer it.

From BBC • Feb. 21, 2026

If you delight in trying wines from obscure grape varieties, here’s one for you: Rosé d’Enfer is 70 percent pinenc, which is more commonly known as fer.

From Washington Post • May 5, 2022

In fact, the Nicolas Carmarans wine, Maximus, from a biodynamic vineyard on granite soils, is the only one I’ve had, and few other producers who make fer wines are available in the United States.

From New York Times • Mar. 21, 2022

“Am . de . fer . - however you say it,” she said.

From Washington Times • Dec. 16, 2017

Meentime I hav hire you out to M. Cutler at the tavern and fer yr. brother to Bakers mill.

From "Lyddie" by Katherine Paterson