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

And being able to proudly, not only be able to help my ex-teammates and players, but proudly help our veterans and first responders who are in tragically way more challenging situations than me. —Chantz Martin, FOXNews.com, 13 Nov. 2025

Casey’s offers coffee and fountain drinks at no cost to military personnel and on-duty, uniformed first responders – including law enforcement, fire and EMS – year-round. —Cheryl V. Jackson, Louisville Courier Journal, 11 Nov. 2025

Organizers noted that its on-site medical team and local first responders provided care to the men before they were transported to local hospitals. —Gillian Stawiszynski, Cincinnati Enquirer, 11 Nov. 2025

Technology provider ReflexAI, for example, helps VA to leverage AI for training first responders and veterans. —Adam Stone, USA Today, 11 Nov. 2025

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