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

Someone trained to fight fires (traditionally referring to a man).

"The fireman carried the child out of the smoke-filled building."

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 notes

In 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

Word forms

firemen plural

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Fill the gap

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The _____ carried the child out of the smoke-filled building.

Etymology

From fire and man.

Synonyms

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firefighter stoker reliever fire-eater fire fighter relief pitcher

Related words

relief firefighter reliever stoker hothead comforter

Rhymes for fireman

iceman Beeman lineman baseman foreman caveman freeman Bateman Coleman spaceman nobleman horseman

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).

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relief firefighter reliever stoker hothead comforter