# firefighter

/ˈfaɪɹˌfaɪtɝ/ (US) · /fˈaɪəfaɪtɐ/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/firefighter
Updated: 2026-05-02

## Definition

a person whose job is to stop fires from burning and to rescue people from dangerous situations. They often work for the city and wear special protective clothes.

For teachers: a person whose professional role involves extinguishing fires and performing rescue operations during emergencies. This term is the standard gender-neutral replacement for 'fireman'.

## Examples

- The firefighter wears a heavy helmet and a thick jacket.
- A brave firefighter climbed the ladder to rescue the cat from the burning building.
- Modern firefighters undergo rigorous physical training and technical instruction to handle hazardous materials and complex structural collapses in addition to traditional fire suppression.

## Usage notes

- The term is preferred over 'fireman' or 'firewoman' in professional and formal contexts to maintain gender neutrality.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.