1
a
: securely or solidly fixed in place
his teeth were firm
b
: not weak or uncertain : vigorous
a firm handshake
c
: having a solid or compact structure that resists stress or pressure
firm apples
2
a(1)
: not subject to change or revision
a firm offer
a firm date
(2)
: not subject to price weakness : steady
firm commodities
b
: not easily moved or disturbed : steadfast
a firm believer in democracy
c
: well-founded
firm evidence of criminal activity
3
: indicating firmness or resolution
a firm mouth
a firm voice
firmly
adverb
firmness
noun
: in a firm manner : steadfastly, fixedly
firmed; firming; firms
1
a
: to make secure or fast : tighten
firming her grip on the racquet
—often used with up
b
: to make solid or compact
firm the soil
2
: to put into final form : settle
firm a contract
firm up plans
3
: to give additional support to : strengthen
—usually used with up
1
: the name or title under which a company transacts business
2
: a partnership of two or more persons that is not recognized as a legal person distinct from the members composing it
3
: a business unit or enterprise
Examples of firm in a Sentence
Adjective
She has a firm grasp of the basic principles.
They insist on maintaining firm control over the project.
He spoke to her in a soft but firm voice.
The time has come for us to take a firm stand.
The children need gentle but firm handling.
Verb
wait for the modeling clay to firm up before handling the finished pot
Noun
merged with another firm to become a major player in the brokerage business
Recent Examples on the Web
Lauren Brown West-Rosenthal, Parents, 28 Apr. 2025
The dynamic play on the field, though, was only part of the impact Barron made during his transformative final season at Texas, the one that set him on a firm path to the first round.
—Nick Kosmider, New York Times, 28 Apr. 2025
Tim Hackett, SI.com, 14 Apr. 2018
Kara Nesvig, Allure, 24 Apr. 2025
The law firms Paul, Weiss and Skadden, Arps answered criticism with pro-bono service to an Administration that has little regard for the law.
—Nathan Heller, New Yorker, 9 Apr. 2025
Mike Snider, USA Today, 2 May 2025
Whether the economy will bounce back will depend on what consumers and firms do.
—Hugh Cameron, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for firm
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
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Adjective
New federal rules mandate firmer construction, safer strap guidelines, and clearer warnings to ensure nursing pillows are used correctly.
—Lauren Brown West-Rosenthal, Parents, 28 Apr. 2025
The dynamic play on the field, though, was only part of the impact Barron made during his transformative final season at Texas, the one that set him on a firm path to the first round.
—Nick Kosmider, New York Times, 28 Apr. 2025
Adverb
The Golden Knights generated multiple good chances, but Quick and the rest of Los Angeles' makeshift defense held firm once again to preserve the tie.
—Tim Hackett, SI.com, 14 Apr. 2018
Verb
All that science comes with a silky feel that’s made this smoothing and firming serum a consistent favorite among Allure editors and dermatologists, who tend to recommend it for mature skin.
—Kara Nesvig, Allure, 24 Apr. 2025
The law firms Paul, Weiss and Skadden, Arps answered criticism with pro-bono service to an Administration that has little regard for the law.
—Nathan Heller, New Yorker, 9 Apr. 2025
Noun
The equity research firm conducted a sample on 50 products and found Amazon prices had risen 4.2% higher on April 25.
—Mike Snider, USA Today, 2 May 2025
Whether the economy will bounce back will depend on what consumers and firms do.
—Hugh Cameron, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for firm
Cite this Entry
“Firm.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/firm. Accessed 5 May. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
firm
1 of 4 adjective1
a
: solidly fixed in place
b
: not weak or uncertain : vigorous
c
: having a solid or compact texture
2
a
: not likely to be changed
a firm offer
b
: not easily moved or disturbed : steadfast
a firm believer
3
: indicating firmness or determination
firmly
adverb
firmness
noun
firm
2 of 4 adverb
: in a firm manner
stood firm
firm
3 of 4 verb1
a
: to make secure
firm your grip on the racket
b
: to make solid or compact
firm the soil
2
: to become firm
firm
4 of 4 noun
: a business organization
law firm
Etymology
Adjective
Middle English ferm "firm, secure," from early French ferm (same meaning), from Latin firmus "firm, secure, solid"
Noun
from German firma "the name or sign under which a company does business," from Italian firma "signature," derived from Latin firmare "to make firm, to approve, to sign," from firmus "firm, secure"
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