firepower

noun

fire·​pow·​er ˈfī(-ə)r-ˌpau̇(-ə)r How to pronounce firepower (audio)
1
a
: the capacity (as of a military unit) to deliver effective fire on a target
b
: effective fire
2
a
: effective power or force
intellectual firepower
b
: the scoring ability of a team or player

Examples of firepower in a Sentence

The army didn't have the firepower to defeat the invaders. right now the President doesn't have the political firepower to push his programs through Congress
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
After watching Rodgers throw for 244 yards, four touchdowns, and no interceptions in Week 1, supplying him with more firepower would be a great investment. Evan Massey, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 Sep. 2025 One of the reasons Seattle isn’t considered a contender is the lack of firepower on offense outside of Smith-Njigba. Michael-Shawn Dugar, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2025 The Block 1 configuration entered service in 1988 on USS Wisconsin, improving the system’s radar tracking and firepower. Kapil Kajal, Interesting Engineering, 8 Sep. 2025 Jeanty is expected to add the firepower lost when Josh Jacobs signed with the Green Bay Packers a few seasons ago. Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 4 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for firepower

Word History

First Known Use

1871, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of firepower was in 1871

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Cite this Entry

“Firepower.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/firepower. Accessed 11 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

firepower

noun
fire·​pow·​er -ˌpau̇(-ə)r How to pronounce firepower (audio)
: the ability to deliver gunfire or warheads on a target
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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