first responder

noun

: a person (such as a police officer or an EMT) who is among those responsible for going immediately to the scene of an accident or emergency to provide assistance

Examples of first responder in a Sentence

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 dangerous weather conditions — which included 20-knot winds and waves more than eight feet high — prohibited first responders from recovering five bodies that were also found on the vessel, officials said. — Sam Gillette, PEOPLE, 3 Sep. 2026 Thank you to the first responders who are assisting at the scene. — Natalie Neysa Alund, USA Today, 2 Sep. 2026 The sheriff’s office said the effort included deputies, investigators, first responders, partner agencies and local residents. — Greg Wehner, FOXNews.com, 2 Sep. 2026 Personnel costs, like paying for first responders, government employees and public works, remain the government’s highest annual costs, accounting for 68% of the county’s proposed 2027 expenses and more than 70% of the city’s. — Sofi Zeman august 31, Kansas City Star, 31 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for first responder

Word History

First Known Use

1970, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of first responder was in 1970

Rhymes for first responder

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Browse Nearby Words

first reading
first responder
first-run
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Cite this Entry

“First responder.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/first%20responder. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

first responder

noun
first re·​spond·​er
-ri-ˈspän-dər
: a person (as a police officer or an EMT) who is among those responsible for going immediately to the scene of an accident or emergency to provide assistance
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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