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

Some argued that the reservoir, which had been drained to repair its cover, led to lower water pressure and hampered the firefight.

From Los Angeles Times ● Mar. 4, 2026

Both men were hurt again but there would be no finish for either, as it was the bell that called the end of a brilliant firefight.

From BBC ● Jan. 25, 2026

A military ambulance was delayed because of the firefight, but a Vietnam veteran who lived nearby rescued him, Park said.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 27, 2025

While I’m sure that no first lieutenant is going to be allowed to start a firefight without consulting superiors, the days when only senior officers had the big picture are over.

From "The World Is Flat" by Thomas L. Friedman