rapid-fire

adjective

rap·​id-fire ˌra-pəd-ˈfī(-ə)r 

1

: firing or adapted for firing shots in rapid succession

2

: marked by rapidity, liveliness, or sharpness

a comedian with a rapid-fire delivery

Synonyms of rapid-fire

• rapid
• brisk
• quick
• fast
• galloping

Examples of rapid-fire in a Sentence

the witness stayed unruffled all through the prosecutor's rapid-fire questioning

Recent Examples on the Web

A lot has changed in the space, as Flex has gone from rapid-fire consumer electronics assembly to longer-cycle, more strategic work for its customers. —Josh Brown,sean Russo, CNBC, 9 Apr. 2026

Communication differences, sensory sensitivities and difficulty processing rapid-fire commands can all affect how a person responds to police. —Jim Cook, Baltimore Sun, 9 Apr. 2026

The trio, with its rapid-fire triplet flow, became known as one of the most popular hip-hop groups of all time. —ABC News, 6 Apr. 2026

Three goals in the 20th, 23rd and 28th minutes came in rapid-fire, as Son assisted each time while Bouanga tied for the third-fastest hat-trick in MLS history. —Josh Gross, Daily News, 5 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1890, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for rapid-fire

• acquire
• attire
• bonfire
• campfire
• ceasefire
• conspire
• desire
• enquire
• entire
• greenbrier
• gunfire
• homebuyer

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