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

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

Firefighter John Stuhlman has lived in the San Gabriel Valley his entire life, but after the Eaton fire razed his home, he doesn’t think he and his wife, Monica, will be able to return.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 17, 2025

Firefighter pay has been the subject of legislation in the last few years, as President Biden raised the minimum wage from $13 to $15 an hour for wildland firefighters in 2021.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 16, 2025

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