fighter
FEYE-tuh
Fighter (noun) means a person who fights, especially a soldier, boxer, or martial artist. Example: “The young fighter stepped into the ring and tapped gloves with his opponent.”
noun
1
A person who fights, especially a soldier, boxer, or martial artist.
"The young fighter stepped into the ring and tapped gloves with his opponent."
"Every fighter in the club trains in the gym before dawn."
"He trained for years to become a professional fighter."
2
A person who shows great determination in the face of hardship, such as illness.
"My grandfather is a fighter and never gives up easily."
"She's a real fighter who kept smiling through months of treatment."
"Despite her diagnosis, everyone who knew her called her a fighter."
3
A fast military aircraft built mainly to engage and shoot down other aircraft.
"A fighter flew low over the airfield during the air show."
"The museum has a restored fighter from an earlier era."
"Two fighters escorted the transport plane across the border."
How to use fighter
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSomeone (or something, like a jet) built or determined to fight — literally or in spirit.
Common pairings
a real fighter
fighter jet
street fighter
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Word forms
- Plural
- fighters
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The young _____ stepped into the ring and tapped gloves with his opponent.
Etymology
From fight plus the agent suffix -er.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for fighter
See all rhymes for fighter →Frequently asked questions
What does “fighter” mean?
The word “fighter” means a person who fights, especially a soldier, boxer, or martial artist. In plain terms, someone (or something, like a jet) built or determined to fight — literally or in spirit.
How do you pronounce “fighter”?
“Fighter” is pronounced FEYE-tuh (/ˈfaɪtɚ/ in IPA).
How do you use “fighter” in a sentence?
Here is “fighter” used in a sentence: “He trained for years to become a professional fighter.”
What is another word for “fighter”?
Words with a similar meaning to “fighter” include warrior, combatant and soldier.
What part of speech is “fighter”?
“Fighter” is a noun.
Is “fighter” a common word?
“Fighter” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
How many meanings does “fighter” have?
“Fighter” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a person who fights, especially a soldier, boxer, or martial artist.
What is the difference between a "fighter" and a "warrior"?
A fighter is anyone who fights, including boxers, soldiers, and martial artists, while a warrior traditionally means an experienced soldier or combatant, often with heroic or historical overtones. "Warrior" tends to sound more elevated, whereas "fighter" is everyday and can also describe a determined person.
When can you call someone a "fighter" without meaning physical combat?
In its figurative sense, "fighter" describes a person who shows great determination in the face of hardship, such as illness or adversity. Calling a patient "a real fighter" praises their refusal to give up rather than any physical fighting.
What is the difference between a "fighter" and a "boxer"?
A boxer is a specific kind of fighter who competes in the sport of boxing, while "fighter" is broader and also covers wrestlers, mixed martial artists, and soldiers. Every boxer is a fighter, but not every fighter is a boxer.
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