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

As firefighter after firefighter testified about their actions during the Lachman fire, a clear theme emerged — the Los Angeles Fire Department’s culture of absolute obedience.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 23, 2026

A firefighter at the scene told news channel TVN24 that according to the woman's son, he was on the phone to her when he heard her scream, "Bear, bear!" and the phone went dead.

From BBC • Apr. 23, 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

Saucepan Lynn is also a volunteer firefighter, so she cooks in her suspenders in case she has to run off.

From "Shouting at the Rain" by Lynda Mullaly Hunt