firebrand
noun
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The original firebrands were incendiary indeed; they were pieces of wood set burning at the fire, perhaps for use as a light or a weapon. English speakers started brandishing those literal firebrands as long ago as the 13th century. (Robinson Crusoe held one high as he rushed into a cave on his deserted island and saw by the light of the firebrand . . . lying on the ground a monstrous, frightful old he-goat.) But the burning embers of the wooden firebrand quickly sparked figurative uses for the term, too. By the early 14th century, firebrand was also being used for one doomed to burn in hell, and by 1382, English writers were using it for anyone who kindled mischief or inflamed passions.
Examples of firebrand in a Sentence
Brian Truitt, USA Today, 12 July 2025
Since assuming office in December 2023, the firebrand libertarian economist has slashed government expenditures and secured a $20 billion deal with the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
—Jesus Mesa, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 July 2025
Rideshare firebrand Uber Technologies (UBER) boasts a 53.6% year-to-date gain.
—Schaeffer's Investment Research, Forbes.com, 27 June 2025
The abolitionist author of Uncle Tom’s Cabin, Harriet Beecher Stowe, grew up on North Street with her firebrand minister father, Lyman Beecher.
—Marcia Desanctis, Travel + Leisure, 20 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for firebrand
Cite this Entry
“Firebrand.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/firebrand. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.
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firebrand
noun
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