noun

firefight

Firefight (noun) means a short, intense exchange of gunfire between opposing sides. Example: “The patrol got caught in a firefight just after dawn.”

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noun

A short, intense exchange of gunfire between opposing sides.

"The patrol got caught in a firefight just after dawn."

"Three soldiers were wounded in the firefight."

A heated argument or dispute.

"The meeting turned into a firefight over the budget cuts."

How to use firefight

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA gun battle, or figuratively a fierce argument.

Common pairings

caught in a firefight brief firefight

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Word forms

firefought past tense, firefights plural, firefights singular

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The patrol got caught in a _____ just after dawn.

Etymology

A compound of fire and fight.

Frequently asked questions

What does “firefight” mean?

The word “firefight” means a short, intense exchange of gunfire between opposing sides. In plain terms, a gun battle, or figuratively a fierce argument.

How do you use “firefight” in a sentence?

Here is “firefight” used in a sentence: “The patrol got caught in a firefight just after dawn.”

What part of speech is “firefight”?

“Firefight” is a noun.

How many meanings does “firefight” have?

“Firefight” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a short, intense exchange of gunfire between opposing sides.