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noun Common

firing

FEYE-uhr-ihng

Firing (noun) means the act of shooting a weapon. Example: “Firing continued through the night along the border.”

noun
1
The act of shooting a weapon.
"Firing continued through the night along the border."
2
The process of heating clay or similar material in a kiln to harden it.
"The vase cracked during firing."
3
The act of dismissing someone from a job.
"The firing of the CEO shocked the board."

How to Use Firing

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishShooting a weapon, baking pottery in a kiln, or dismissing an employee, depending on context.

Common pairings
live firing kiln firing wrongful firing

Word Forms

firings plural

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Fill the Gap

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_____ continued through the night along the border.

Etymology

From fire plus the suffix -ing.

Related Words

Rhymes for firing

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does “firing” mean?

The word “firing” means the act of shooting a weapon. In plain terms, shooting a weapon, baking pottery in a kiln, or dismissing an employee, depending on context.

How do you pronounce “firing”?

“Firing” is pronounced FEYE-uhr-ihng (/ˈfaɪ.ɚ.ɪŋ/ in IPA).

How do you use “firing” in a sentence?

Here is “firing” used in a sentence: “Firing continued through the night along the border.”

What part of speech is “firing”?

“Firing” is a noun.

Is “firing” a common word?

“Firing” is a fairly common word in modern English.

How many meanings does “firing” have?

“Firing” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the act of shooting a weapon.

What is the difference between "firing" and "shooting" a weapon?

"Firing" emphasises the act of discharging a weapon, while "shooting" often emphasises aiming at and hitting a target. You fire a gun, and you shoot at something with it.

What is the difference between "firing" and "loading" a weapon?

Loading is placing ammunition into a weapon to prepare it, while firing is actually discharging it. A weapon must be loaded before it can be fired.

What are common collocations with "firing"?

Common phrases include "firing range," "firing squad," "firing line," "opening fire," and "kiln firing." Most relate either to discharging weapons or to heating materials in a kiln.

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Definitions: FreeDict original editorial