firebrand
noun
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The original firebrands were incendiary indeed; they were pieces of wood set burning at the fire, perhaps for use as a light or a weapon. English speakers started brandishing those literal firebrands as long ago as the 13th century. (Robinson Crusoe held one high as he rushed into a cave on his deserted island and saw by the light of the firebrand . . . lying on the ground a monstrous, frightful old he-goat.) But the burning embers of the wooden firebrand quickly sparked figurative uses for the term, too. By the early 14th century, firebrand was also being used for one doomed to burn in hell, and by 1382, English writers were using it for anyone who kindled mischief or inflamed passions.
Examples of firebrand in a Sentence
Chris Lau, CNN Money, 28 Aug. 2025
Most frequently, the audience experienced Young tap his inner firebrand.
—Bob Gendron, Chicago Tribune, 28 Aug. 2025
Local blues-rock firebrands Shaw Davis & The Black Ties will set off their sonic fireworks at Galuppi’s in Pompano Beach on Sunday for a free show from 4 to 7:30 p.m.
—Ben Crandell, Sun Sentinel, 20 Aug. 2025
Concerned about her firebrand daughter’s political movements, Rosa didn’t become an activist herself until her family was ripped from her.
—Sam Gillette, People.com, 8 Aug. 2025
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Cite this Entry
“Firebrand.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/firebrand. Accessed 10 Sep. 2025.
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firebrand
noun
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