firefight

noun

fire·​fight ˈfī(-ə)r-ˌfīt How to pronounce firefight (audio)
Synonyms of firefightnext
1
a
: a usually brief intense exchange of fire between opposing military units
b
: a hostile confrontation that involves gunfire
2
: skirmish sense 2b

Examples of firefight in a Sentence

a firefight between police and bank robbers
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The gang eventually released its hostages but dug into the tiny nearby hamlet of Bois D’Avril, into which Prince’s foreign ex-special forces flew in September, engaging them in an hours-long firefight. — Nick Paton Walsh, CNN Money, 17 Oct. 2026 Hasan is confined to a wheelchair; he was paralyzed as a result of the firefight that ended his shooting spree. — Amy Davidson Sorkin, New Yorker, 16 Oct. 2026 Three bystanders injured in a firefight in the Home Depot parking lot. — Patricia Murphy, AJC.com, 5 Oct. 2026 Ostensibly the least affected by the incident (if anything, the firefight made his reputation), Michael nevertheless has been hollowed out by years of covering war. — Tim Grierson, Los Angeles Times, 1 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for firefight

Word History

First Known Use

1899, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of firefight was in 1899

Rhymes for firefight

See All Rhymes for firefight

Browse Nearby Words

firefang
firefight
firefighter
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Cite this Entry

“Firefight.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/firefight. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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