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

Next, you’ll be whisked away to the under-the-radar villages of the Peloponnese mountains to hunt for truffles and harvest honey among the dense fir tree forests. —Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 31 July 2024

The 34-mile road winds through several ecosystems from cove hardwood to northern hardwood to pine oak to spruce fir. —Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 19 July 2024

Considered the only rainforest in the United States, this 420 million-square-feet jungle blooms along the Hoh River in the form of pine, fir, cedar and maple trees that evoke a fragrant paradise worthy of a Tim Burton movie. —Alberto Piernas Medina, Condé Nast Traveler, 25 Dec. 2023

The Greenstone Ridge Trail follows the high central ridge to traverse the length of the island, running through forests of maple and birch, fir and aspen. —Grayson Haver Currin, Outside Online, 7 July 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