noun
Common
firing
FEYE-uhr-ihng
Firing (noun) means the act of shooting a weapon. Example: “The cadets practised firing on the shooting range under close supervision.”
noun
1
The act of shooting a weapon.
"The cadets practised firing on the shooting range under close supervision."
"Firing at the targets stopped as soon as the whistle blew."
"Firing continued through the night along the border."
2
The process of heating clay or similar material in a kiln to harden it.
"After the first firing, the pottery turns a pale, chalky colour."
"Our teacher explained that a second firing makes the glaze shiny and smooth."
"The vase cracked during firing."
3
The act of dismissing someone from a job.
"Her firing came as a surprise after ten years with the company."
"Is a single late arrival really enough reason for a firing?"
"The firing of the CEO shocked the board."
How to use firing
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishShooting a weapon, baking pottery in a kiln, or dismissing an employee, depending on context.
Common pairings
live firing
kiln firing
wrongful firing
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Word forms
- Plural
- firings
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The cadets practised _____ on the shooting range under close supervision.
Etymology
From fire plus the suffix -ing.
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for firing
airing
wiring
tiring
hiring
pairing
admiring
retiring
aspiring
desiring
inquiring
enquiring
requiring
See all rhymes for 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.
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