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

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

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

From BBC ● Jan. 11, 2026

Officials warn an upcoming heat wave will further challenge that firefight and bring widespread fire concerns.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 5, 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