fighter

noun

fight·​er ˈfī-tər How to pronounce fighter (audio)
: one that fights: such as
a(1)
(2)
: a pugnacious or game individual
b
: an airplane of high speed and maneuverability with armament designed to destroy enemy aircraft

Examples of fighter in a Sentence

the debate whether more fighters are needed to bring order to that war-torn country a program at the community center for training local youths as fighters
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Jumper, who later helped create the Navy’s Top Gun fighter pilot school in Miramar, was at the center of the action. Gary Robbins, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 July 2025 Overnight July 6-7, 20 Israeli fighter jets dropped over 50 munitions on key Yemeni ports, including Hodeidah and the Ras Khatib power station. Paul Iddon, Forbes.com, 10 July 2025 Even so, tensions with China are driving the Philippines' ongoing $35 billion military modernization program, which includes efforts to acquire more capable fighter jets and warships. Micah McCartney, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 July 2025 Israel’s retaliatory campaign has killed over 57,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry, which says women and children make up most of the dead but does not specify how many were fighters or civilians. Farnoush Amiri, Chicago Tribune, 9 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for fighter

Word History

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of fighter was in the 13th century

Cite this Entry

“Fighter.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fighter. Accessed 14 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

fighter

noun
fight·​er ˈfīt-ər How to pronounce fighter (audio)
: one that fights:
c
: a fast airplane armed with weapons for destroying enemy aircraft

More from Merriam-Webster on fighter

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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