fiery

adjective

fi·​ery ˈfī(-ə)-rē 

fierier; fieriest

1

a

: consisting of fire

fiery tongues playing about the roof of the burning building

b

: marked by fire

a fiery crash

c

: using or carried out with fire

the fiery experiments of the ancient alchemists

d

: liable to catch fire or explode : flammable

a fiery vapor

2

a

: hot like a fire

the fiery taste of red pepper

b(1)

: being in an inflamed state or condition

a fiery boil

(2)

: feverish and flushed

a fiery forehead

3

: of the color of fire : red

a fiery sunset

4

a

: full of or exuding emotion or spirit

a fiery sermon

b

: easily provoked : irritable

a fiery temper

fierily

ˈfī-rə-lē 

adverb

fieriness

ˈfī-rē-nəs 

noun

fiery adverb

Synonyms

• ablaze
• afire
• aflame
• alight [chiefly British]
• blazing
• burning
• combusting
• conflagrant
• flaming
• ignited
• inflamed
• enflamed
• kindled
• lit
• lighted

Examples of fiery in a Sentence

He was killed in a fiery crash.

the fiery Yule log made a splendid backdrop for our holiday party

Recent Examples on the Web

John David’s fiery portrayal of Willie showcases how chasing for opportunity doesn’t always equate to proper manhood and a fruitful legacy. —Malik William, Essence, 4 Nov. 2024

But the hip-hop superstar delivered a fiery speech that featured stinging soundbites delivered with her signature swagger. —Mary Spicuzza, Journal Sentinel, 2 Nov. 2024

When Mars is in Cancer, however, its bold, fiery nature takes on a more emotional, sensitive edge. —Valerie Mesa, People.com, 2 Nov. 2024

Ahead of Election Day coming up on Tuesday Nov. 5, the hip-hop hitmaker delivered a fiery speech that lasted nearly 10 minutes, complete with stinging soundbites and her signature, seemingly off-the-cuff swagger at Wisconsin State Fair Park in West Allis, Wisconsin, a suburb outside Milwaukee. —Jay Stahl, USA TODAY, 2 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from fire, fier fire

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

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Kids Definition

fiery

adjective

fi·​ery ˈfī-(ə-)rē 

fierier; fieriest

1

: being on fire : blazing

2

: hot or glowing like a fire

3

a

: full of spirit

a fiery speech

b

: easily set off

a fiery temper

fieriness noun