firing
6 synonyms and 0 antonyms for firing, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — The act of shooting a weapon.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use firing
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From fire plus the suffix -ing.
Full origin of firing →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.