fir

noun

ˈfər 

1

: any of a genus (Abies) of north temperate evergreen trees of the pine family that have flattish leaves, circular leaf scars, and erect female cones and are valued for their wood

also : any of various conifers (such as the Douglas fir) of other genera

2

: the wood of a fir

Examples of fir in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Beyond the familiar traditions like Santa Claus, a fir tree, caroling and gift-giving, a number of countries—including the U.S.—bring their own unique twists, both old and new, to the holiday. —Chad De Guzman, TIME, 18 Dec. 2024

Bend the tree’s needles in half—fresh firs should snap, while fresh pines should bend but not break. —Sheryl Geerts, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 Dec. 2024

Miniature fir trees, Christmas ferns, Christmas cacti and poinsettias in decorative pots make great tabletop or mantel adornments. —Jackie Nance-Sons, Forbes, 10 Dec. 2024

If pine isn’t your favorite scent, use fir or cedarwood instead. —Cody Godwin, USA TODAY, 11 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Old English fyrh; akin to Old High German forha fir, Latin quercus oak

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing fir

• balsam fir
• Douglas fir
• Fraser fir
• grand fir
• silver fir
• subalpine fir
• white fir

Kids Definition

fir

noun

ˈfər 

1

: any of various usually large evergreen trees related to the pines some of which yield useful lumber or resins

2

: the wood of a fir

Medical Definition

fir

noun

ˈfər 

: any tree of the genus Abies see balsam fir