ENGLISH
REFERENCE

firemen

n. plural-only
A2 Elementary US //ˈfaɪɹmən// UK //fˈaɪəmɛn// fire·men

n. people whose job is to stop fires and rescue people from dangerous situations. Many people now use the word 'firefighters' instead because it includes everyone.

n. individuals professionally trained to extinguish fires and rescue people from hazardous environments. While historically common, the term is increasingly replaced by the gender-neutral 'firefighters' in official and professional contexts.


SIMPLE

The firemen arrived quickly to put out the house fire.

CONTEXTUAL

Three firemen entered the smoke-filled building to search for anyone trapped on the upper floors.

COMPLEX

The local museum features an exhibit dedicated to the firemen who served the city during the Great Fire, showcasing their vintage equipment and hand-drawn water pumps.

Synonyms
Usage

The plural form of 'fireman'; takes plural verb agreement. In modern English, 'firefighters' is preferred for gender neutrality.

Pitfall

The firemen is here.The firemen are here.Firemen is the plural form of fireman and requires a plural verb.

© 2026 English Reference