fiery

adjective

fi·​ery ˈfī(-ə)-rē 

fierier; fieriest

1

a

: consisting of fire

fiery tongues playing about the roof of the burning building

b

: marked by fire

a fiery crash

c

: using or carried out with fire

the fiery experiments of the ancient alchemists

d

: liable to catch fire or explode : flammable

a fiery vapor

2

a

: hot like a fire

the fiery taste of red pepper

b(1)

: being in an inflamed state or condition

a fiery boil

(2)

: feverish and flushed

a fiery forehead

3

: of the color of fire : red

a fiery sunset

4

a

: full of or exuding emotion or spirit

a fiery sermon

b

: easily provoked : irritable

a fiery temper

fierily

ˈfī-rə-lē 

adverb

fieriness

ˈfī-rē-nəs 

noun

fiery adverb

Synonyms of fiery

• blazing
• burning
• flaming
• smoldering
• flickering

Examples of fiery in a Sentence

He was killed in a fiery crash.

the fiery Yule log made a splendid backdrop for our holiday party

Recent Examples on the Web

The fiery collision shut down the Metra BSNF Line for hours, resulting in multiple trains being canceled and officials warning riders to make alternate plans for afternoon commutes. — Hank Beckman, Chicago Tribune, 11 Nov. 2026

Run by the ever-battling twin brothers Patrius and Argentio Peck, the magazine is a fiery nest of secrets that Batter must learn to navigate to survive. — Abby Hamblin, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 Nov. 2026

The human characters were about to be subjected to the concussive explosion of Godzilla’s fiery breath—the actors had to play out the effects of the blast, which would later be added digitally, along with Godzilla himself. — Matt Alt, New Yorker, 8 Nov. 2026

The chant was prompted after a fiery Feleipe Franks got his helmet ripped off his head after a play and yet no flag was thrown — the culmination of a first half in which Carolina suffered 10 penalties for 101 yards. — Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 8 Nov. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from fire, fier fire

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for fiery

• diary
• friary
• priory

Podcast

Get Word of the Day delivered to your inbox!

Kids Definition

fiery

adjective

fi·​ery ˈfī-(ə-)rē 

fierier; fieriest

1

: being on fire : blazing

2

: hot or glowing like a fire

3

a

: full of spirit

a fiery speech

b

: easily set off

a fiery temper

fieriness noun