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

Before the game, first responders were honored and both coaches made sure to express their gratitude for the swift and effective work of those who protected the communities. — Caleb Otte, Los Angeles Times, 24 Oct. 2026

Robots deployed in hazardous environments could help locate hotspots, gather information, or deliver supplies to first responders. — Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 22 Oct. 2026

One first responder has sustained injuries, Kapszukiewicz said. — Lana Zak, CBS News, 22 Oct. 2026

Season 2 will continue to feature first responders while bringing more community champions and service workers into the spotlight, including educators, mentors and volunteers who serve families in need. — Dade Hayes, Deadline, 22 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