Fireman
'faɪərmæn
Definitions
2 meaningsA member of a fire department whose job is to extinguish fires, rescue people, and respond to other emergencies.
'faɪərmæn
A person whose job is to extinguish fires.
The fireman quickly put out the fire.
💡 Simply: A fireman is like a superhero who helps put out fires and save people. They're brave people who rush into danger to make sure everyone is safe. Imagine your house catching fire, and then a fireman arrives! They're like the protectors of our homes and lives.
👶 For kids: A fireman is a person who puts out fires! They wear special clothes and drive a big, red truck!
More Examples
The firemen saved the cat from the burning tree.
Firemen use water hoses to extinguish flames.
How It's Used
"The firemen bravely entered the burning building."
"The city honored its firemen for their bravery."
(Historical) A person who tended the fire in a steam engine or other furnace.
'faɪərmæn
(archaic) A person who tends a fire, especially one in a steam engine.
The fireman worked tirelessly to keep the steam engine running.
💡 Simply: Before there were electric trains, some trains used steam. A fireman was the person who kept the fire going to make the steam that moved the train. Imagine this job—it's like a cook for a very big, hot engine.
👶 For kids: Long ago, a fireman was the person who made the fire go in a train!
More Examples
The old locomotive required a skilled fireman to operate.
The fireman ensured the steam pressure was maintained at the proper level.
How It's Used
"The fireman diligently shoveled coal into the engine's furnace."
Idioms & expressions
play with fire
To take dangerous risks.
"He's playing with fire by investing all his money in that risky stock."
Where there's smoke, there's fire
If there are signs of something bad, there's usually a serious problem.
"She said she wasn't feeling well, and then I found out she'd been skipping meals. Where there's smoke, there's fire."
From "fire" + "man," reflecting the historical role of firemen as men who fought fires. Usage evolved from simply attending fires to encompass broader aspects of fire prevention and emergency response.
The term 'fireman' has been used since the 17th century, originally referring to individuals involved in attending and controlling fires. It gained prominence with the advent of steam engines, where the fireman was critical to their operation.
Memory tip
Think of a 'man' who fights 'fire' to remember this word.