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

Starting at Massie Gap at Grayson Highlands State Park, the nine-mile round-trip hike winds across open highland meadows, past grazing ponies, and into a mossy spruce-fir forest ecosystem. — Erin Gifford, Southern Living, 17 Sep. 2026

The structure was decorated with fir branches and purple fabric—two elements chosen for their strong symbolic meaning. — Stefania Conrieri, Vanity Fair, 9 Sep. 2026

Monarchs travel up to 3,000 miles to their wintering destinations in central Mexico, where Oyamel fir forests (or, Abies religiosa) grow at high altitudes (around 7,800-11,800 feet). — Sarah Moore, Freep.com, 9 Sep. 2026

Trees such as the ponderosa pine, the Englemann spruce and most firs only regrow when seeds from living trees spread to barren areas, Stevens-Russman said. — Noelle Phillips, Denver Post, 8 Sep. 2026

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

Rhymes for fir

• birr
• blur
• bur
• cur
• er
• fur
• furr
• gurr
• her
• murr
• myrrh
• per

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