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
Nora Colomer
May Earn A Commission If You Buy Through Our Referral Links. This Content Was Created By A Team That Works Independently From The Fox Newsroom., FOXNews.com, 27 June 2025
The Drive The steering has weight and the ride is firm but not stiff.
—Josh Max, Forbes.com, 27 June 2025
Tim Hackett, SI.com, 14 Apr. 2018
Izzy Baskette, People.com, 26 June 2025
The texture is soft enough to bite into without cracking and firm enough to avoid the dreaded sidewalk melt five seconds in.
—Symiah Dorsey, Southern Living, 25 June 2025
Tracy J. Wholf, CBS News, 30 June 2025
That's why large and small firms across many industries are entering a stage of quarterly rolling layoffs.
—John Pierce, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for firm
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Adjective
The Bear Elite Hybrid comes in soft, medium and firm options.
—Nora Colomer
May Earn A Commission If You Buy Through Our Referral Links. This Content Was Created By A Team That Works Independently From The Fox Newsroom., FOXNews.com, 27 June 2025
The Drive The steering has weight and the ride is firm but not stiff.
—Josh Max, Forbes.com, 27 June 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
One such product that helps firm up skin is the Summer Fridays Rich Cushion Cream Ultra Plumping Moisturizer.
—Izzy Baskette, People.com, 26 June 2025
The texture is soft enough to bite into without cracking and firm enough to avoid the dreaded sidewalk melt five seconds in.
—Symiah Dorsey, Southern Living, 25 June 2025
Noun
Eliminating the existing tax credits would likely kill up to 72% of the new wind and solar installations that were to be completed in the U.S. over the next decade, according to analysis from Rhodium Group, a research firm.
—Tracy J. Wholf, CBS News, 30 June 2025
That's why large and small firms across many industries are entering a stage of quarterly rolling layoffs.
—John Pierce, Forbes.com, 30 June 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 Jul. 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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