spitfire

[ spit-fahyuhr ]

/ ˈspɪtˌfaɪər /

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noun

a person, especially a girl or woman, who is of fiery temper and easily provoked to outbursts.

(initial capital letter) a British fighter plane with a single in-line engine used by the R.A.F. throughout World War II.

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His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

His boss, who he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

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Origin of spitfire

First recorded in 1590–1600; spit¹ + fire

Words nearby spitfire

spitchcock, spit curl, spite, spite fence, spiteful, spitfire, Spithead, spit in the ocean, Spitsbergen, spit-shine, spitsticker

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use spitfire in a sentence

Get ready to bid farewell to the spitfire Bobby Bottleservice and big booty player Ref Jeff.
The Zany Shades of Nick Kroll|Abby Haglage|December 15, 2014|DAILY BEAST
She was a sassy spitfire from Bosnia, just a few months shy of turning 18.
My Attack of Model Jealousy|Anonymous|February 9, 2014|DAILY BEAST
It was the cataclysmic collision of spitfire upstart performer, brilliant pop song, and cheeky music video.
Britney Spears’s ‘…Baby One More Time’ Turns 15: The Making of an Iconic Music Video|Kevin Fallon|October 23, 2013|DAILY BEAST
The idea of Australian comedy spitfire Rebel Wilson creating and starring in her own show was a dream.
Rebel Wilson’s ‘Super Fun Night’ Is Not So Fun|Kevin Fallon|October 2, 2013|DAILY BEAST

World War II produced three outstanding fighters: the German Messerschmitt 109, the British Spitfire, and the American Mustang.
Reno’s Reckless Air Tragedy|Clive Irving|September 17, 2011|DAILY BEAST
You know a lot of us took charge of the Spitfire, and set the captain and first-mate adrift, off Valparaiso.
Adrift on the Pacific|Edward S. Ellis
I suppose she will tackle that little spitfire of a dog which I inflicted on them.
A Houseful of Girls|Sarah Tytler
I am not so sure that my pretty spitfire would not rather have it than any ring I could give her.
Joan of the Sword Hand|S(amuel) R(utherford) Crockett
Commodore Perry hoisted his flag on the "Spitfire" and led the way up the river with the boats of the squadron in tow.
The Naval History of the United States|Willis J. Abbot.
"Why, you audacious little spitfire," the old man begins to splutter, but Vane Charteris interrupts him gravely.
Guy Kenmore's Wife and The Rose and the Lily|Mrs. Alex McVeigh Miller

British Dictionary definitions for spitfire

spitfire

/ (ˈspɪtˌfaɪə) /

noun

a person given to outbursts of spiteful temper and anger, esp a woman or girl

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

spitfire

Origin of spitfire

Words nearby spitfire

Words related to spitfire

How to use spitfire in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for spitfire