first responder

noun

: a person (such as a police officer or an EMT) who is among those responsible for going immediately to the scene of an accident or emergency to provide assistance

Examples of first responder in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

But first responders have expressed concerns about dealing with the Cybercab’s lack of manual driving controls and its unique doors. — Lora Kolodny, CNBC, 3 Oct. 2026

My concern with this amendment is that the sources that primarily fund first responders and public schools would be severely diminished. — Mary Ramsey, Charlotte Observer, 2 Oct. 2026

Volcanoes National Park urged visitors to keep their distance from the unstable cliff edges to avoid putting themselves, or first responders, in danger. — Charlotte Reck, CNN Money, 2 Oct. 2026

The agency said that the requirement ensures first responders can easily contact the owner in case of an emergency. — Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 1 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1970, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for first responder

• condor
• fonder
• launder
• mandir
• maunder
• ponder
• squander
• wander
• yonder
• transponder

Kids Definition

first responder

noun

first re·​spond·​er

-ri-ˈspän-dər

: a person (as a police officer or an EMT) who is among those responsible for going immediately to the scene of an accident or emergency to provide assistance