plural fires
1
: the light and heat and especially the flame produced by burning
Stay away from the fire.
2
: an occurrence in which something burns : the destruction of something (such as a building or a forest) by fire
The shack was destroyed by a fire.
Two people died in that terrible fire.
How did the fire start?
Police think he set a fire [=deliberately started a fire] in the bedroom.
Firefighters put the fire out. = Firefighters put out the fire. [=firefighters stopped the fire from burning]
The shack caught (on) fire [=began to burn] when it was struck by lightning.
Someone set fire to the shack. [=deliberately caused the shack to burn]
3
: a controlled occurrence of fire created by burning something (such as wood or gas) in a special area (such as in a fireplace or stove)
We warmed our hands over the fire.
She built a fire in the fireplace.
The fire went out and he had to light it again.
4
: the shooting of weapons
We heard heavy rifle fire in the distance.
He shot at the police officer and the police officer returned his fire. [=the police officer shot back at him]
He and the police officer exchanged fire. [=shot at each other]
He was caught in the line of fire and killed.
The troops opened fire on [=began shooting at] the enemy.
Hold your fire! [=don't shoot]
Cease fire! [=stop shooting]
Several soldiers were killed by friendly fire. [=they were accidentally killed by weapons fired from their own side]
5
: very heavy or harsh criticism
The company has drawn/taken (heavy) fire for its use of child labor overseas.
6
: strong emotion, anger, enthusiasm, etc.
I admire her fire for teaching and helping children.
young lovers with their hearts full of fire [=passion]
7
British
: a small device that uses gas or electricity to heat a room
Turn on/off the fire.
fires; fired; firing
1
a
: to shoot a weapon
fire a bullet
She fired the arrow at the target.
He fired the gun.
He fired several shots at the police.
He fired at the police.
The gun failed to fire.
The soldiers fired on/at the enemy.
The officers were told to fire at will. [=to shoot when they felt that they should]
—often used figurativelyReporters fired questions at her. [=they asked her many questions in a quick and forceful way]
b
: to throw (something) with speed and force
The shortstop fired the ball to first base.
The angry mob fired rocks at him.
The boxer fired a left jab at his opponent's chin.
2
: to give life or energy to (something or someone)
The story fired his imagination.
3
: to dismiss (someone) from a job
She had to fire several workers.
—usually used as (be/get) firedHe got/was fired (from his job) after missing work.
4
: to begin working
The engine/cylinders failed to fire.
—sometimes used figurativelyThe team got off to a slow start, but now it's firing on all cylinders. [=it's now playing very well]
5
technical
: to heat (a clay pot, dish, etc.) in an oven in order to make it very hard
She will fire the pots later today.
Cite this Entry
“Fire.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/fire. Accessed 9 Apr. 2026.
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