spitfire

noun

spit·​fire ˈspit-ˌfī(-ə)r How to pronounce spitfire (audio)
: a quick-tempered or highly emotional person

Examples of spitfire 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.
The rambunctious spitfire won over the hearts of fans and snagged multiple spinoff shows featuring her family over the years. Julia Moore, People.com, 13 May 2025 That disparity is played perfectly by Durand, who paints Elmer as a caustic spitfire in life and, later, gives an emotional performance in death without ever truly having to say a word. Emlyn Travis, EW.com, 27 Apr. 2025 Elena Easley, an 8-year-old spitfire of a second-grader in Minnesota, had a very bad day last week. Lisa Gutierrez, Kansas City Star, 28 Mar. 2025 And then there’s Karoline Leavitt, who at the age of 27 is the spitfire, never-back-down White House press secretary for Trump. Peter H. Schwartz, Chicago Tribune, 17 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for spitfire

Word History

First Known Use

1656, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of spitfire was in 1656

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Spitfire.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/spitfire. Accessed 24 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

spitfire

noun
spit·​fire ˈspit-ˌfī(ə)r How to pronounce spitfire (audio)
: an easily angered or highly emotional person

More from Merriam-Webster on spitfire

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