rapid-fire

adjective

rap·​id-fire ˌra-pəd-ˈfī(-ə)r How to pronounce rapid-fire (audio)
1
: firing or adapted for firing shots in rapid succession
2
: marked by rapidity, liveliness, or sharpness
a comedian with a rapid-fire delivery

Examples of rapid-fire in a Sentence

the witness stayed unruffled all through the prosecutor's rapid-fire questioning
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.
The company has received court approval to pursue a rapid-fire sale of its pharmacy business. Sabrina Valle, USA Today, 17 May 2025 The razor-sharp dialogue is rapid-fire, and proper delivery requires a keen understanding of the nature and nuance of language. Jessica Gelt, Los Angeles Times, 15 May 2025 Don’t Mistake Speed for Savvy Too many presenters think rapid-fire delivery shows mastery. Jane Hanson, Forbes.com, 15 May 2025 But Latrice is amazing in her rapid-fire verse, and Valentina looks astonishingly beautiful and delivers a show-stopper. Barry Levitt, Vulture, 12 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for rapid-fire

Word History

First Known Use

1890, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of rapid-fire was in 1890

Cite this Entry

“Rapid-fire.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rapid-fire. Accessed 23 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

rapid-fire

adjective
rap·​id-fire
ˌrap-əd-ˈfī(ə)r
1
: able to fire shots rapidly
a rapid-fire weapon
2
: marked by a rapid rate or pace
spoke rapid-fire Spanish
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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