firm

1 of 4

adjective

ˈfərm 

1

a

: securely or solidly fixed in place

his teeth were firm

b

: not weak or uncertain : vigorous

a firm handshake

c

: having a solid or compact structure that resists stress or pressure

firm apples

2

a(1)

: not subject to change or revision

a firm offer

a firm date

(2)

: not subject to price weakness : steady

firm commodities

b

: not easily moved or disturbed : steadfast

a firm believer in democracy

c

: well-founded

firm evidence of criminal activity

3

: indicating firmness or resolution

a firm mouth

a firm voice

firmly adverb

firmness noun

firm

2 of 4

adverb

: in a firm manner : steadfastly, fixedly

firm

3 of 4

verb

firmed; firming; firms

transitive verb

1

a

: to make secure or fast : tighten

firming her grip on the racquet

—often used with up

b

: to make solid or compact

firm the soil

2

: to put into final form : settle

firm a contract

firm up plans

3

: to give additional support to : strengthen

—usually used with up

intransitive verb

1

: to become firm : harden

—often used with up

2

: to recover from a decline : improve

the market is firming

firm

4 of 4

noun

1

: the name or title under which a company transacts business

2

: a partnership of two or more persons that is not recognized as a legal person distinct from the members composing it

3

: a business unit or enterprise

Synonyms

Adjective

• solid
• strong
• sturdy
• vigorous
• robust

Verb

• freeze
• harden

Noun

• company
• house
• business

Examples of firm in a Sentence

Adjective

She has a firm grasp of the basic principles.

They insist on maintaining firm control over the project.

He spoke to her in a soft but firm voice.

The time has come for us to take a firm stand.

The children need gentle but firm handling.

Verb

wait for the modeling clay to firm up before handling the finished pot

Noun

merged with another firm to become a major player in the brokerage business

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

As fans wait for a firm timeline for his return, there is concern that the news won't be good. —Evan Massey, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 Oct. 2025

Papoose allegedly stood up for his girlfriend, Claressa Shields, in a firm way after she got called Serena Williams. —Armon Sadler, VIBE.com, 13 Oct. 2025

Adverb

The Golden Knights generated multiple good chances, but Quick and the rest of Los Angeles' makeshift defense held firm once again to preserve the tie. —Tim Hackett, SI.com, 14 Apr. 2018

Verb

Retinol belongs to a class of ingredients called retinoids, which are key to a wide category of skincare products beloved for their skin-firming and acne-clearing abilities. —Justin Fenner, Robb Report, 9 Oct. 2025

It’s packed with ultra-low molecular collagen to firm and smooth fine lines, plus oligo-hyaluronic acid to deliver deep, fast-absorbing hydration for plump, calm skin. —Lily Wohlner, Allure, 8 Oct. 2025

Noun

The firm appointed former US General and CIA Director David Petraeus as Chairman of KKR Middle East in April and formed a dedicated regional investment team. —Mohammed Sergie, semafor.com, 9 Oct. 2025

With an expanding workforce, including from acquisitions of early-stage drug discovery firms, AbbVie has instituted several practices to ensure that new leaders and managers understand what is expected of them. —Jessica Coacci, Fortune, 9 Oct. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Adjective, Adverb, and Verb

Middle English ferm, from Anglo-French, from Latin firmus; akin to Greek thronos chair, throne

Noun

German Firma, from Italian, signature, ultimately from Latin firmare to make firm, confirm, from firmus

First Known Use

Adjective

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Adverb

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Verb

14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

Noun

1744, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing firm

• hold firm
• law firm
• on firm ground/footing
• stand firm
• take a firm line

Rhymes for firm

• berm
• ferm
• germ
• herm
• sperm
• squirm
• term
• therm
• worm
• wurm
• affirm
• bookworm

Kids Definition

firm

1 of 4 adjective

ˈfərm 

1

a

: solidly fixed in place

b

: not weak or uncertain : vigorous

c

: having a solid or compact texture

2

a

: not likely to be changed

a firm offer

b

: not easily moved or disturbed : steadfast

a firm believer

3

: indicating firmness or determination

firmly adverb

firmness noun

firm

2 of 4 adverb

: in a firm manner

stood firm

firm

3 of 4 verb

1

a

: to make secure

firm your grip on the racket

b

: to make solid or compact

firm the soil

2

: to become firm

firm

4 of 4 noun

: a business organization

law firm

Etymology

Adjective

Middle English ferm "firm, secure," from early French ferm (same meaning), from Latin firmus "firm, secure, solid"

Noun

from German firma "the name or sign under which a company does business," from Italian firma "signature," derived from Latin firmare "to make firm, to approve, to sign," from firmus "firm, secure"

Legal Definition

firm

noun

1

: the name or title under which a company transacts business

2

: a partnership of two or more persons that is not recognized as a legal person distinct from the members composing it

3

: a business unit or enterprise

Etymology

Noun

German Firma, from Italian, signature, ultimately from Latin firmare to make firm, confirm