1
: any of a genus (Abies) of north temperate evergreen trees of the pine family that have flattish leaves, circular leaf scars, and erect female cones and are valued for their wood
also : any of various conifers (such as the Douglas fir) of other genera
2
: the wood of a fir

Examples of fir in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Afterward, a Lomi Lomi massage utilizing different oils—including my choice, which comes infused with local Black Forest herbs and pine- and fir-tree extracts—nearly puts me to sleep. Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 23 Aug. 2026 Beeches, firs, and spruces frame the park’s signature waterfalls and 16 lakes. Stephanie Vermillion, Travel + Leisure, 21 Aug. 2026 Nordic spruce fir trees will provide the raw material, with the wood retaining biogenic carbon captured during growth. Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 17 Aug. 2026 Its forests include beech, pine, fir and Bosnian pine, while wild goats inhabit the mountain's rugged alpine areas. Brittany Anas, Forbes.com, 13 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for fir

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Old English fyrh; akin to Old High German forha fir, Latin quercus oak

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of fir was before the 12th century

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Cite this Entry

“Fir.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fir. Accessed 29 Aug. 2026.

Kids Definition

1
: any of various usually large evergreen trees related to the pines some of which yield useful lumber or resins
2
: the wood of a fir

Medical Definition

: any tree of the genus Abies see balsam fir

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