English Reference
Noun

responder

n. countable
B2 Upper Intermediate US /ɹɪˈspɑndɝ/ UK /ɹɪspˈɒndɐ/ re·spon·der UK spelling responders

n.a person or group that reacts to an emergency or a request for help. You often see this word used for police, fire, or medical workers who arrive at an accident scene.

n.a person or organization that provides assistance or reacts to an emergency, request, or event. Often used in the context of emergency services or technical support.


SIMPLE

The first responder arrived at the scene within minutes.

CONTEXTUAL

The emergency responder provided immediate medical care to the injured hiker before the helicopter arrived.

COMPLEX

In high-stakes environments, the speed and efficiency of the primary responder can significantly influence the overall outcome of a crisis situation.

First responders used boats to rescue people stranded by rapidly rising flood waters.

The Guardian· 16 Aug 2026

Following this idea, StemRad developed a belt for nuclear first responders, worn around the hips, which hold roughly half the body’s bone marrow, the tissue that makes blood cells.

Ars Technica· 13 Aug 2026

From respond + -er.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Occasional
Updated