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 boy’s disappearance set off a search that drew first responders and emergency crews from several local departments Thursday. — Nathan Pilling july 9, Kansas City Star, 9 July 2026

Pepper plays Coach, a former NYPD police officer and 9/11 first responder suffering from leukemia, a result of his work at ground zero. — Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 9 July 2026

The first responders received two separate standing ovations as Higgins detailed their efforts and the significance of their work in giving people hope. — Ella Moore july 9, Miami Herald, 9 July 2026

Critics have come to the Metropolitan Transit System meetings to voice concerns, including potential job losses, safety issues, and the robotaxis possibly blocking first responders. — Rob Nikolewski, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 July 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