fighter

noun

fight·​er ˈfī-tər 

: one that fights: such as

a(1)

: warrior, soldier

(2)

: a pugnacious or game individual

(3)

: boxer entry 1 sense 1

b

: an airplane of high speed and maneuverability with armament designed to destroy enemy aircraft

Synonyms

• dogface
• legionary
• legionnaire
• man-at-arms
• regular
• serviceman
• soldier
• trooper
• warrior

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

The 49-year-old lawyer was known as a hard fighter who saved clients from death row using legal gymnastics and courtroom histrionics. —Jeff Maysh, Smithsonian Magazine, 29 Apr. 2024

Hamas has denied committing atrocities on Oct. 7, saying — despite video evidence to the contrary — that its fighters tried to avoid harming civilians. —Patrick Kingsley, New York Times, 28 Apr. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing fighter

• fighter-bomber
• freedom fighter
• street fighter

Kids Definition

fighter

noun

fight·​er ˈfīt-ər 

: one that fights:

a

: warrior, soldier

b

: boxer entry 1

c

: a fast airplane armed with weapons for destroying enemy aircraft