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

• 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

Another new candidate in the Platner-mold is burly Pennsylvania firefighter Bob Brooks, who is running for Congress.

From Barron's • May 3, 2026

Another witness, 19-year-old Amine, said it felt as though "every firefighter in the department was there".

From BBC • Apr. 30, 2026

The firefighter — who was not involved in the Lachman fire — asked to remain anonymous because he feared retaliation.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 23, 2026

“I could’ve possibly prevented a lot of stuff if I would’ve been more outspoken, right?” firefighter Scott Pike testified in a lawsuit brought by Palisades fire victims.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 23, 2026

The job test said that I would be a good firefighter.

From "Speak" by Laurie Halse Anderson