noun
Uncommon
fireman
FEYE-uh-muhn
Fireman (noun) means someone trained to fight fires (traditionally referring to a man). Example: “The fireman carried the child out of the smoke-filled building.”
noun
1
Someone trained to fight fires (traditionally referring to a man).
"The fireman carried the child out of the smoke-filled building."
2
Someone who shovels coal to keep a steam engine or boiler burning, especially on a train or ship.
"On old steam locomotives, the fireman kept the firebox stoked while the driver controlled the throttle."
How to use fireman
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA person who fights fires, or historically, one who fed a steam engine's firebox.
When to use it
Firefighter is now the preferred gender-neutral term in most professional contexts; "fireman" persists in everyday speech and in the historical railway sense.
Common pairings
train fireman
volunteer fireman
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Word forms
- Plural
- firemen
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The _____ carried the child out of the smoke-filled building.
Etymology
From fire and man.
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for fireman
See all rhymes for fireman →Frequently asked questions
What does “fireman” mean?
The word “fireman” means someone trained to fight fires (traditionally referring to a man). In plain terms, a person who fights fires, or historically, one who fed a steam engine's firebox.
How do you pronounce “fireman”?
“Fireman” is pronounced FEYE-uh-muhn (/ˈfaɪɹmən/ in IPA).
How do you use “fireman” in a sentence?
Here is “fireman” used in a sentence: “The fireman carried the child out of the smoke-filled building.”
What part of speech is “fireman”?
“Fireman” is a noun.
Is “fireman” a common word?
“Fireman” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “fireman” have?
“Fireman” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: someone trained to fight fires (traditionally referring to a man).
