fir

noun

ˈfər 

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

Choose to cut down your own Christmas tree, or simply go to look and smell the fresh pine and fir scents. —Claire Hoppe Norgaard, Better Homes & Gardens, 30 Nov. 2024

Windsor Castle’s Christmas decorations have gone up, including a 20-foot-high Nordmann fir tree located in St. George’s Hall. —Rachel Burchfield, People.com, 29 Nov. 2024

The woody-aromatic accord of Winter Fire features cedar and fir balsam notes, with fir and cashmere wood at its core, over a rich base of amber and incense. —Emma Sandler, Forbes, 27 Nov. 2024

Think more subtle fir tree imagery and twinkling lights, than in-your-face Christmas decor. —Endia Fontanez, The Arizona Republic, 27 Nov. 2024

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

Phrases Containing fir

• balsam fir
• Douglas fir
• Fraser fir
• grand fir
• silver fir
• subalpine fir
• white fir

Kids Definition

fir

noun

ˈfər 

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

fir

noun

ˈfər 

: any tree of the genus Abies see balsam fir