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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
And training for first responders conducted through the Federal Emergency Management Agency was canceled. Arkansas Online, 6 Mar. 2026 The radio traffic showed a rapid emergency response, with first responders arriving within 57 seconds, officials said. Katey Psencik, Austin American Statesman, 5 Mar. 2026 The first responders included a police officer who had been posted at an important juncture where runners move from a city street onto a colorful footbridge, with only a handful of turns remaining before the half marathon's finish. Bill Chappell, NPR, 5 Mar. 2026 And training for first responders conducted through the Federal Emergency Management Agency was canceled. Kevin Freking, Chicago Tribune, 5 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for first responder

Word History

First Known Use

1970, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of first responder was in 1970

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Cite this Entry

“First responder.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/first%20responder. Accessed 7 Mar. 2026.

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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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