fighter

noun

fight·​er ˈfī-tər How to pronounce fighter (audio)
Synonyms of fighternext
: 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.
Spending close to home Making a fighter jet is difficult – and expensive. Joseph Ataman, CNN Money, 13 June 2026 Aerial refueling planes and dozens of fighter jets would no longer be available. ABC News, 12 June 2026 ElAttrache performed surgery on McGregor in July 2021, inserting a rod, plates and screws into his left leg after the fighter broke his tibia and fibula during a mixed martial arts bout against Dustin Poirier in Las Vegas. Steve Henson, Los Angeles Times, 12 June 2026 Organizers and fighters have tried to downplay the political backdrop and instead to link it to Americans’ fighting spirit. Zac Anderson, USA Today, 12 June 2026 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 15 Jun. 2026.

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

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