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

The 34-year-old man was pronounced dead inside the home by first responders. — Michael Guise, CBS News, 6 Aug. 2026

The first 50 Mental Health First Aiders are made up of first responders, educators, older adults and caregivers. — Nollyanne Delacruz, Mercury News, 5 Aug. 2026

Started in 1984, the night began as a way to build community and interface with law enforcement and other first responders. — Jesse Wright, Chicago Tribune, 5 Aug. 2026

The spouse freed the child and immediately began performing life-saving measures until first responders arrived. — Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 4 Aug. 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