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
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Each year, millions of monarchs migrate from Canada and the United States to the oyamel fir trees of Michoacán and Estado de México. Gaby Keiderling, Robb Report, 4 Sep. 2025 Other noteworthy trees include the Breckenridge Winkling Adaptive Lighting Trees, which boast the most festive Fraser and noble firs. Elizabeth Fogarty, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 Aug. 2025 This is especially true considering the team will be without Jordan Addison for the firs three games of the season. James Brizuela, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Aug. 2025 It was thickly timbered with small firs in the bottom. Chester Chatfield, Outdoor Life, 20 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for fir

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of fir was before the 12th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Fir.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fir. Accessed 10 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

fir

noun
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
: any tree of the genus Abies see balsam fir

More from Merriam-Webster on fir

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