firefight

American  

[fahyuhr-fahyt] / ˈfaɪərˌfaɪt /

noun

1. an exchange of gunfire between two opposing forces, especially a skirmish between military forces.

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firefight British  

/ ˈfaɪəˌfaɪt /

noun

1. a brief small-scale engagement between opposing military ground forces using short-range light weapons

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Etymology

Origin of firefight

First recorded in 1895–1900; fire + fight

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

firefight

“That’s what makes fighting a fire like this different, as opposed to mainland firefight where we can drive in trucks and equipment,” he said.

From Los Angeles Times ● May 18, 2026

After briefly stumbling from a Matias combination, an unfazed Smith came roaring back in a fifth-round firefight.

From BBC ● Jan. 11, 2026

The department said five mutual-aid engine companies and Cal Fire had joined in the firefight.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 29, 2025

Rockwell said additional fire crews from the Bureau of Land Management and San Bernardino County had been called in to assist with the firefight.

From Los Angeles Times ● May 30, 2025

From my first moment in the Games, when I ran for that orange backpack, to the firefight in 8, to my impulsive race across the square in 2.

From "Mockingjay" by Suzanne Collins