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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Be sure to spend time beneath the cedar, pine, and fir trees here, either via the Idyllwild Nature Center or the Ernie Maxwell Scenic Trail, and stop in at Idyllwild Pizza Company for a pie or Red Kettle for a diner breakfast. Chelsee Lowe, Travel + Leisure, 1 July 2026 It's even got the liquid formula's fresh scent, a combination of eucalyptus, Siberian fir, lavender and ginger. Jackie Fields, PEOPLE, 1 July 2026 Luna is powdery and light, with orange blossom, jasmine and cooling fir balsam, all warped in a delicate rose. Emily Kelleher, InStyle, 27 June 2026 It’s made from sturdy, high-quality fir wood and offers a stable work surface for transplanting, watering, fertilizing, and all other important gardening tasks. Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 June 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Fir.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fir. Accessed 4 Jul. 2026.

Kids Definition

fir

noun
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
: any tree of the genus Abies see balsam fir

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